Medical image providing apparatus and medical image processing method of the same

ABSTRACT

Provided is a medical image providing apparatus including: a display configured to display a first image including an object; a user interface (UI) configured to output a first list comprising at least one protocol applied while scanning the object in response to in response to a first region included in the first image being selected, and to receive a selection of a first protocol included in the first list; and a controller configured to control to overlay and display a second image reconstructed by using image data obtained by applying the first protocol, on the first region of the first image.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application Nos.10-2014-0005206, filed on Jan. 15, 2014, and 10-2014-0156244, filed onNov. 11, 2014, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, thedisclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

One or more exemplary embodiments relate to a medical image providingapparatus for displaying a screen including a medical image and amedical image processing method of the same.

2. Description of the Related Art

A medical imaging apparatus is an apparatus used to obtain an image ofan internal structure of an object. The medical imaging apparatus is anoninvasive examination apparatus that photographs and processesstructural details in a body, internal tissues of the body, and flow ofbody fluids to show them to a user. The user, such as a doctor, maydetermine a health condition of a patient and diagnose a disease byusing a medical image output from the medical imaging apparatus.

Examples of the medical imaging apparatus include a magnetic resonanceimaging (MRI) apparatus for providing a magnetic resonance (MR) image, acomputed tomography (CT) apparatus, an X-ray apparatus, and anultrasound diagnostic apparatus.

An MRI apparatus is an apparatus for photographing a subject by using amagnetic field, and is widely used to accurately diagnose diseases sincethe MRI apparatus provides three-dimensional images showing bones,discs, joints, nerves, and ligaments at a desired angle.

The MRI apparatus obtains an MR signal by using a permanent magnet, agradient coil, and a high frequency multi-coil including radio frequency(RF) coils. Then, the MRI apparatus samples the MR signal to restore theMR image.

A CT apparatus, which is one of the medical imaging apparatuses, iswidely used to accurately diagnose a disease since the CT apparatus iscapable of providing a sectional image of an object and is capable ofdistinctively expressing an internal structure, for example, organs suchas a kidney and lungs, of the object, as compared to a general X-rayapparatus.

The CT apparatus irradiates an X-ray on the object, detects the X-raythat passed through the object, and then restores an image by using thedetected X-ray.

As described above, medical images obtained by using various medicalimaging apparatuses express an object in various methods according totypes and photographing methods of the various medical imagingapparatuses.

A doctor determines a disease or a health disorder of a patient byreading a medical image. Accordingly, a medical imaging apparatus fordiagnosis may be provided to the doctor such that the doctor may selectand read a suitable medical image to diagnose the patient.

SUMMARY

One or more exemplary embodiments include a medical image providingapparatus for providing a medical image suitable for an intention of auser and a medical image processing method of the same.

One or more exemplary embodiments include a medical image providingapparatus for providing a medical image or a user interface (UI) screenincluding the medical image such that a user easily diagnoses a diseaseof a patient and a medical image processing method of the same.

Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description whichfollows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may belearned by practice of the exemplary embodiments.

According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a medical imageproviding apparatus includes: a display unit for displaying a firstimage including an object; a UI unit for, outputting a first listcomprising at least one protocol applied while scanning the object inresponse to a first region included in the first image being selected,and receiving a selection on a first protocol included in the firstlist; and a control unit for controlling a second image reconstructed byusing image data obtained by applying the first protocol to be overlaidand displayed on the first region of the first image.

The second image may be an image corresponding to a predetermined regionof the object included in the first region.

The at least one protocol may be a protocol related to a pulse sequenceapplied to obtain the image data.

The protocol may include a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol.

The protocol may include a computed tomography (CT) protocol.

The UI unit may receive a setting on a region of interest (ROI) as thefirst region in the first image from a user.

The control unit may automatically extract a target region for diagnosisfrom the first image and select the target region as the first region.

The control unit may automatically perform an organ segmentation on thefirst image to obtain a segmented region and select the segmented regionas the first region.

The control unit may automatically extract a disease suspected regionfrom the first image and select the disease suspected region as thefirst region.

The first list may include a first sub-list comprising the at least oneprotocol, and a second sub-list including at least one manipulation menuitem for manipulating the first region of the first image.

The UI unit may control the first and second sub-lists to be separatelydisplayed.

The first list may include a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) listincluding at least one protocol for scanning an MRI image, and acomputed tomography (CT) list including at least one protocol forscanning a CT image.

The UI unit may generate at least one manipulation menu item forrespectively manipulating at least one reconstructed image reconstructedby using at least one piece of image data obtained by applying each ofthe at least one protocol, and add and output the at least onemanipulation menu item to the at least one protocol included in thefirst list.

Each item included in the first list may include a protocol and areconstructed image reconstructed by using image data obtained byapplying the protocol.

The medical image providing apparatus may further include a memory forstoring at least one piece of image data obtained by applying each ofthe at least one protocol.

The control unit may read image data corresponding to the first protocolfrom the memory and generate the second image by using the read imagedata in response to the first protocol is selected.

The medical image providing apparatus may further include a memory forstoring at least one reconstructed image respectively reconstructed byusing at least one piece of image data obtained by applying the at leastone protocol.

The control unit may read a reconstructed image corresponding to thefirst protocol from the memory, and control the second image to beoverlaid on the first region by using the read reconstructed image inresponse to the first protocol being selected.

The at least one protocol may include at least one of an MRI protocol, aT1 period-related protocol, a T2 period-related protocol, a diffusionprotocol, and a perfusion protocol.

The first list may include at least one additional item obtained orcalculated by using at least one piece of image data obtained byapplying the at least one protocol.

The additional item may include at least one of a cerebral blood volume(CBV) map, a cerebral blood flow (CBF) map, a histogram equalizationimage, an apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map, and a trace map.

The UI unit may add and output a sub-list including at least onereconstructed image according to at least one point in time, whichcorresponds to a protocol included in each item included in the firstlist, to each item included in the first list.

The UI unit may include an input device for receiving a predeterminedcommand from a user, and the control unit may control a preview menu ona reconstructed image corresponding to a predetermined item included inthe first list in response to the predetermined item being focused on bythe input device.

The UI unit may receive a selection on a protocol corresponding to eachof the plurality of first regions in response to a plurality of thefirst regions that are a plurality of partial regions included in thefirst image being selected.

The first list may include at least one of a plurality of anatomicalimage items corresponding to a protocol, and a plurality of functionalimage items corresponding to a protocol.

The first list may separately display the plurality of anatomical imageitems and the plurality of functional image items.

The control unit may control a type of an image displayed in the firstregion and a type of the first image to be mutually switched anddisplayed, according to a user request.

The control unit may change a type of an image overlaid on the firstregion of which a location is changed in response to the second imagebeing overlaid on the first region of the first image and then alocation of the first region being requested to be changed.

According to an aspect of another exemplary embodiment, a medical imageproviding apparatus includes: a display unit for displaying a firstimage including an object; a UI unit for, outputting a first listincluding at least one reconstructed image that is reconstructed byusing at least one piece of image data obtained by applying at least oneprotocol applied while scanning the object in response to a first regionincluded in the first image being selected, and receiving a selection ona first reconstructed image included in the first list; and a controlunit for controlling a second image to be overlaid and displayed on thefirst region of the first image, by using the first reconstructed image.

The control unit may control a region of the first reconstructed image,which corresponds to the first region, to be overlaid and displayed onthe first region.

The at least one reconstructed image included in the first list may be awhole image corresponding to the object.

The at least one reconstructed image included in the first list may be apartial image corresponding to a predetermined region of the object,which is included in the first region.

The at least one protocol may include at least one of a magneticresonance imaging (MRI) protocol related to a pulse sequence applied toobtain the image data and a computed tomography (CT) protocol appliedduring a CT scan.

The control unit may automatically extract or select the first regionfrom the first image.

Each item included in the first list may include a first sub-listincluding the at least one reconstructed image, and a second sub-listincluding at least one manipulation menu item for manipulating the firstregion of the first image.

The UI unit may control the first and second sub-lists to be separatelydisplayed.

The first list may include a second sub-list including at least one ofan MRI list including at least one reconstructed magnetic resonanceimaging (MRI) image reconstructed by using image data obtained byapplying a protocol for scanning an MRI image, and a computed tomography(CT) list including at least one reconstructed CT image reconstructed byusing image data obtained by applying a protocol for scanning a CTimage.

The UI unit may generate at least one manipulation menu item formanipulating each of the at least one reconstructed image, and add andoutput the at least one manipulation menu item to each of the at leastone reconstructed image included in the first list.

Each item included in the first list may include a protocol and areconstructed image reconstructed by using image data obtained byapplying the protocol.

The medical image providing apparatus may further include a memory forstoring the at least one reconstructed image.

The at least one protocol may include at least one of an MRI protocol, aT1 period-related protocol, a T2 period-related protocol, a diffusionprotocol, and a perfusion protocol.

The first list may include at least one additional image generated byusing at least one piece of image data obtained by applying the at leastone protocol.

The additional image may include at least one of a cerebral blood volume(CBV) map, a cerebral blood flow (CBF) map, a histogram equalizationimage, an apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map, a trace map, afunctional MRI (fMRI) map, a fractional anisotropy map, and a diffusiontractography image.

Each item of the first list may include at least one reconstructed imageaccording to at least one point in time, which corresponds to a protocolincluded in each item of the first list.

When a second reconstructed image included in the first list isactivated, the controller may control a second list including at leastone reconstructed image related to a first protocol applied to obtainthe second reconstructed image to be output.

The second list may include at least one reconstructed image that isobtained, calculated, or post-processed by using at least one piece ofimage data obtained according to the first protocol.

According to an aspect of another exemplary embodiment, a medical imageproviding apparatus includes: a display unit for displaying a firstimage including an object; a UI unit for receiving a selection on afirst region in the first image; and a control unit for controlling asecond image reconstructed by using first image data obtained byscanning the object to overlay and be displayed on the first region inthe first image.

The control unit may select the predetermined protocol from among aplurality of protocols for scanning the object, based on a region of theobject, which is included in the first region of the first image.

The medical image providing apparatus may further include a memory forstoring at least one piece of image data obtained by scanning the objectby applying at least one protocol.

The control unit may select the predetermined protocol from among the atleast one protocol, read image data corresponding to the predeterminedprotocol from the memory, and generate the second image by using theread image data, based on the region of the object.

The medical image providing apparatus may further include a memory forstoring at least one reconstructed image reconstructed by using at leastone piece of image data obtained by scanning the object by applying atleast one protocol.

The control unit may select the predetermined protocol from among the atleast one protocol, read a reconstructed image corresponding to thepredetermined protocol from the memory, and generate the second image byusing the read reconstructed image, based on a region of the object,which is included in the first region.

According to an aspect of another exemplary embodiment, a medical imageproviding apparatus includes: a display unit for displaying a screenincluding a first list comprising at least one protocol applied whilescanning an object; a UI unit for receiving a selection on a firstprotocol from the first list; and a control unit for setting a firstregion in a first image including an object after the selection on thefirst protocol, and controlling to overlay and display a second imagereconstructed by using image data obtained by applying the firstprotocol, on the first region.

The UI unit may receive a setting on a region of interest (ROI) as thefirst region on the first image included in the screen from a user, andthe control unit may set the ROI as the first region.

The first list may include at least one of a plurality of anatomicalimage items corresponding to a protocol, and a plurality of functionalimage items corresponding to a protocol.

According to an aspect of another exemplary embodiment, a medical imageproviding apparatus includes: a display unit for displaying a firstimage including an object; a UI unit for, outputting a first listincluding at least one of an image item obtained by using the firstimage in response to a first region being selected from the first image,and receiving a selection on a predetermined item included in the firstlist; and a control unit for controlling a second image corresponding tothe predetermined item to be overlaid and displayed on the first region.

The first list may include at least one image item calculated orpost-processed by using image data obtained by applying a protocolcorresponding to the first image.

According to an aspect of another exemplary embodiment, a method forcontrolling a medical image providing apparatus is provided. The methodincludes: displaying a first image comprising a medical image;displaying a first list comprising at least one item corresponding to aprotocol applied to the first image in response to a first region of thefirst image being selected; and overlaying a second image on the firstimage in response to receiving a selection of an item from the firstlist.

The at least one item may include a protocol and a reconstructed imageobtained by applying the protocol.

The at least one item corresponding to the protocol applied to the firstimage may include a first item corresponding to a magnetic resonanceimaging (MRI) protocol and second item corresponding to a computedtomography (CT) protocol.

The method may further include automatically extracting a diseasesuspected region from the first image and selecting the diseasesuspected region as the first region.

The method may further include performing organ segmentation on thefirst image to obtain a segmented region and selecting the segmentedregion as the first region.

The method may further include storing at least one reconstructed imageobtained by applying the protocol.

The method may further include receiving a setting on a region ofinterest (ROI) as the first region in the first image from a user viathe UI.

Each item included in the first list may include a protocol and areconstructed image reconstructed by using image data obtained byapplying the protocol.

According to an aspect of another exemplary embodiment, a medical imageprocessing method includes: displaying a first image including anobject; when a first region included in the first image is selected,outputting a first list including at least one protocol applied whilescanning the object; receiving a selection of a first protocol includedin the first list via a UI; and overlaying and displaying a second imagereconstructed by using image data obtained by applying the firstprotocol, on the first region of the first image.

According to an aspect of another exemplary embodiment, a medical imageprocessing method includes: displaying a first image including anobject; when a first region included in the first image is selected,outputting a first list including at least one reconstructed image thatis reconstructed by using at least one piece of image data obtained byapplying at least one protocol applied while scanning the object;receiving a selection of a first reconstructed image included in thefirst list via a UI; and overlaying and displaying a second image on thefirst region of the first image by using the first reconstructed image.

According to an aspect of another exemplary embodiment, a medical imageprocessing method includes: displaying a first image including anobject; receiving a selection of a first region of the first image via aUI; and overlaying and displaying a second image reconstructed by usingfirst image data obtained by scanning the object by applying a firstprotocol, on the first region of the first image.

According to an aspect of another exemplary embodiment, a medical imageprocessing method including: displaying a screen including a first listcomprising at least one protocol applied while scanning an object;receiving a selection of a first protocol from the first list via a UI;setting a first region in a first image including the object after theselection of the first protocol; and overlaying and displaying a secondimage reconstructed by using image data obtained by applying the firstprotocol, on the first region.

According to an aspect of another exemplary embodiment, a medical imageprocessing method includes: displaying a first image including anobject; when a first region is selected from the first image, outputtinga first list including at least one image item obtained by using thefirst image; receiving a selection of a certain item included in thefirst list via a UI; and overlaying and displaying a second imagecorresponding to the certain item on the first region.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed incolor. Copies of this patent or patent application publication withcolor drawings will be provided by the Office upon request and paymentof the necessary fee. These and/or other aspects will become apparentand more readily appreciated from the following description of theembodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a general magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) system;

FIG. 2 is a general schematic diagram of a computed tomography (CT)system;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a structure of the CT system, according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a communication unit according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a medical image providing apparatusaccording to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a medical image providing apparatusaccording to another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7A illustrates a plurality of magnetic resonance (MR) imagesreconstructed by scanning an object according to different protocols;

FIG. 7B illustrates a plurality of tomography images reconstructed byscanning an object according to different protocols;

FIG. 8A is an image for describing operations of a medical imageproviding apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8B is an image for describing operations of a medical imageproviding apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 9A and 9B show diagrams for describing operations of a medicalimage providing apparatus, according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 10A and 10B show diagrams for describing operations of a medicalimage providing apparatus, according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a diagram for describing operations of a medical imageproviding apparatus, according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a diagram for describing operations of a medical imageproviding apparatus, according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 13A is a diagram for describing operations of a medical imageproviding apparatus, according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 13B is a diagram for describing operations of a medical imageproviding apparatus, according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a diagram for describing operations of a medical imageproviding apparatus, according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a diagram for describing operations of a medical imageproviding apparatus, according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a diagram for describing operations of a medical imageproviding apparatus, according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a diagram for describing operations of a medical imageproviding apparatus, according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 18A and 18B show diagrams for describing operations of a medicalimage providing apparatus, according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a diagram for describing operations of a medical imageproviding apparatus, according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a diagram for describing operations of a medical imageproviding apparatus, according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a diagram for describing operations of a medical imageproviding apparatus, according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 22A is a diagram for describing operations of a medical imageproviding apparatus, according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 22B is a diagram for describing operations of a medical imageproviding apparatus, according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a diagram for describing operations of a medical imageproviding apparatus, according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 24A and 24B show diagrams for describing operations of a medicalimage providing apparatus, according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 25A and 25B show diagrams for describing operations of a medicalimage providing apparatus, according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 26 is a diagram for describing operations of a medical imageproviding apparatus, according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 27A and 27B show diagrams for describing operations of a medicalimage providing apparatus, according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 28A, 28B and 28C show diagrams for describing operations of amedical image providing apparatus, according to another exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 29 is a diagram for describing operations of a medical imageproviding apparatus, according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 30A and 30B show diagrams for describing operations of a medicalimage providing apparatus, according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 31A and 31B show diagrams for describing operations of a medicalimage providing apparatus, according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 32 is a diagram for describing operations of a medical imageproviding apparatus, according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 33 is a diagram for describing operations of a medical imageproviding apparatus, according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 34A and 34B show diagrams for describing operations of a medicalimage providing apparatus, according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 35A and 35B show diagrams for describing operations of a medicalimage providing apparatus, according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 36 shows a diagram for describing operations of a medical imageproviding apparatus, according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 37 shows a diagram for describing operations of a medical imageproviding apparatus, according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 38 is a flowchart of a medical image processing method according toan exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 39 is a flowchart of a medical image processing method according toanother exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 40 is a flowchart of a medical image processing method according toanother exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 41 is a flowchart of a medical image processing method according toanother exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 42 is a flowchart of a medical image processing method according toanother exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully withreference to the accompanying drawings. The exemplary embodiments may,however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construedas being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, theseembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough andcomplete, and will fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodimentsto those skilled in the art.

Terms used herein will now be briefly described and then one or moreexemplary embodiments will be described in detail.

General terms widely used are selected while considering functions inone or more exemplary embodiments for terms used herein, but the termsused herein may differ according to intentions of one of ordinary skillin the art, precedents, or emergence of new technologies. In some cases,an applicant arbitrarily selects a term, and in this case, the meaningof the term will be described in detail herein. Accordingly, the termsshall be defined based on the meanings and details throughout thespecification, rather than the simple names of the terms.

When something “includes” a component, another component may be furtherincluded unless specified otherwise. The term “unit” used in the presentspecification refers to a software component, or a hardware componentsuch as FPGA or ASIC, and performs a certain function. However, the“unit” is not limited to software or hardware. The “unit” may beconfigured in an addressable storage medium and may be configured to beexecuted by one or more processors. Hence, the “unit” includes elementssuch as software elements, object-oriented software elements, classelements, and task elements, and processes, functions, attributes,procedures, sub-routines, segments of program codes, drivers, firmware,micro-codes, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays,and variables. The functions provided in the elements and the units maybe combined into a fewer number of elements and units or may be dividedinto a larger number of elements and units.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations ofone or more of the associated listed items. Expressions such as “atleast one of,” when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire listof elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list.

While describing one or more exemplary embodiments, descriptions aboutdrawings that are not related to the one or more exemplary embodimentsare omitted.

In the present specification, “image” may refer to multi-dimensionaldata composed of discrete image elements (e.g., pixels in atwo-dimensional image and voxels in a three-dimensional image). Forexample, an image may include a medical image of an object acquired byan X-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),ultrasonic waves, or another medical image photographing apparatus.

Furthermore, in the present specification, “object” may include a personor an animal, or a part of a person or an animal. For example, theobject may include the liver, the heart, the womb, the brain, a breast,the abdomen, or a blood vessel. Furthermore, the “object” may include aphantom. The phantom means a material having a volume that isapproximately the intensity and effective atomic number of a livingthing, and may include a sphere phantom having a property similar to ahuman body.

Furthermore, in the present specification, “user” refers to a medicalprofessional, such as a doctor, a nurse, a medical laboratorytechnologist, and an engineer who repairs a medical apparatus, but theuser is not limited thereto.

Furthermore, in the present specification, “MRI” refers to an image ofan object obtained based on the nuclear magnetic resonance principle.

Furthermore, in the present specification, “pulse sequence” refers tocontinuity of signals repeatedly applied by an MRI apparatus. A pulsesequence may include a time parameter of a radio frequency (RF) pulse,for example, repetition time (TR) or echo time (TE).

Furthermore, in the present specification, “pulse sequence mimeticdiagram” shows an order of events that occur in an MRI apparatus. Forexample, a pulse sequence mimetic diagram may be a diagram showing an RFpulse, a gradient magnetic field, or an MR signal according to time.

An MRI system is an apparatus for acquiring a sectional image of a partof an object by expressing, in a contrast comparison, a strength of a MRsignal with respect to a radio frequency (RF) signal generated in amagnetic field having a specific strength. For example, if an RF signalthat resonates only a specific atomic nucleus (for example, a hydrogenatomic nucleus) is irradiated for an instant onto the object that isplaced in a strong magnetic field and then such irradiation stops, an MRsignal is emitted from the specific atomic nucleus, and thus the MRIsystem may receive the MR signal and acquire an MR image. The MR signaldenotes an RF signal emitted from the object. An intensity of the MRsignal may be determined according to the density of a predeterminedatom (for example, hydrogen) of the object, a relaxation time T1, arelaxation time T2, and blood flow.

MRI systems include different characteristics from those of otherimaging apparatuses. Unlike imaging apparatuses such as CT apparatusesthat acquire images dependent upon a direction of detection hardware,MRI systems may acquire two-dimensional (2D) images or three-dimensional(3D) volume images that are oriented toward an optional point. MRIsystems do not expose objects and examinees to radiation, unlike CTapparatuses, X-ray apparatuses, position emission tomography (PET)apparatuses, and single photon emission CT (SPECT) apparatuses, mayacquire images having high soft tissue contrast, and may acquireneurological images, intravascular images, musculoskeletal images, andoncologic images that are important to precisely describe abnormaltissue.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a general MRI system. Referring to FIG. 1,the general MRI system may include a gantry 20, a signal transceiver 30,a monitoring unit 40 (e.g., a monitoring device, etc.), a system controlunit 50 (e.g., a system controller, etc.), and an operating unit 60(e.g., an input device, an output device, etc.).

The gantry 20 blocks electromagnetic waves generated by a main magnet22, a gradient coil 24, and an RF coil 26 from being externally emitted.A magnetostatic field and a gradient magnetic field are formed at a borein the gantry 20, and an RF signal is irradiated towards an object 10.

The main magnet 22, the gradient coil 24, and the RF coil 26 may bearranged in a predetermined direction of the gantry 20. Thepredetermined direction may be a coaxial cylinder direction. The object10 may be disposed on a table 28 that is capable of being inserted intoa cylinder along a horizontal axis of the cylinder.

The main magnet 22 generates a magnetostatic field or a static magneticfield for aligning a direction of magnetic dipole moments of atomicnuclei of the object 10 in a constant direction. A precise and accurateMR image of the object 10 may be obtained when a magnetic fieldgenerated by the main magnet 22 is strong and uniform.

The gradient coil 24 includes X, Y, and Z coils for generating gradientmagnetic fields in X-, Y-, and Z-axis directions crossing each other atright angles. The gradient coil 24 may provide location information ofeach region of the object 10 by differently inducing resonancefrequencies according to the regions of the object 10.

The RF coil 26 may irradiate an RF signal to a patient and receive an MRsignal emitted from the object 10. In detail, the RF coil 26 maytransmit an RF signal at a same frequency as precessional motion to thepatient towards atomic nuclei in precessional motion, stop transmittingthe RF signal, and then receive an MR signal emitted from the object 10.

For example, in order to transit an atomic nucleus from a low energystate to a high energy state, the RF coil 26 may generate and apply anelectromagnetic wave signal having an RF corresponding to a type of theatomic nucleus, for example, an RF signal, to the object 10. When theelectromagnetic wave signal generated by the RF coil 26 is applied tothe atomic nucleus, the atomic nucleus may transit from the low energystate to the high energy state. Then, when electromagnetic wavesgenerated by the RF coil 26 disappear, the atomic nucleus, on which theelectromagnetic waves were applied, transits from the high energy stateto the low energy state, thereby emitting electromagnetic waves having aLarmor frequency. In other words, when the applying of theelectromagnetic wave signal to the atomic nucleus is stopped, an energylevel of the atomic nucleus is changed from a high energy level to a lowenergy level, and thus the atomic nucleus may emit electromagnetic waveshaving a Larmor frequency. The RF coil 26 may receive electromagneticwave signals from atomic nuclei of the object 10.

The RF coil 26 may be realized as one RF transmitting and receiving coilhaving both a function of generating electromagnetic waves having awireless frequency corresponding to a type of an atomic nucleus and afunction of receiving electromagnetic waves emitted from an atomicnucleus. Alternatively, the RF coil 26 may be realized as a transmissionRF coil having a function of generating electromagnetic waves having awireless frequency corresponding to a type of an atomic nucleus, and areception RF coil having a function of receiving electromagnetic wavesemitted from an atomic nucleus.

The RF coil 26 may be fixed to the gantry 20 or may be detachable. Whenthe RF coil 26 is detachable, the RF coil 26 may be an RF coil for apart of the object, such as a head RF coil, a chest RF coil, a leg RFcoil, a neck RF coil, a shoulder RF coil, a wrist RF coil, or an ankleRF coil.

The RF coil 26 may communicate with an external apparatus via wiresand/or wirelessly and may also perform dual tune communication accordingto a communication frequency band.

The RF coil 26 may be a birdcage coil, a surface coil, or a transverseelectromagnetic (TEM) coil according to structures.

The RF coil 26 may be a transmission exclusive coil, a receptionexclusive coil, or a transmission and reception coil according tomethods of transmitting and receiving an RF signal.

The RF coil 26 may be an RF coil in any one of various channels, such as16 channels, 32 channels, 72 channels, and 144 channels.

Hereinafter, it is assumed that the RF coil 26 is an RF multi-coilincluding N coils respectively corresponding to a plurality of channels,i.e., first through N-th channels. Herein, the RF multi-coil may also bereferred to as a multi-channel RF coil.

The gantry 20 may further include a display 29 disposed outside thegantry 20 and a display (not shown) disposed inside the gantry 20. Thegantry 20 may provide predetermined information to the user or theobject through the display 29 and the display respectively disposedoutside and inside the gantry 20.

The signal transceiver 30 may control the gradient magnetic field formedinside the gantry 20, i.e., in the bore, according to a predetermined MRsequence, and control transmission and reception of an RF signal and anMR signal.

The signal transceiver 30 may include a gradient amplifier 32, atransmission and reception switch 34, an RF transmitter 36, and an RFreceiver 38.

The gradient amplifier 32 drives the gradient coil 24 in the gantry 20and may supply a pulse signal for generating a gradient magnetic fieldto the gradient coil 24 according to control of a gradient magneticfield controller 54. By controlling the pulse signal supplied from thegradient amplifier 32 to the gradient coil 24, gradient magnetic fieldsin X-, Y-, and Z-axis directions may be composed.

The RF transmitter 36 and the RF receiver 38 may drive the RF coil 26.The RF transmitter 36 may supply an RF pulse at a Larmor frequency tothe RF coil 26, and the RF receiver 38 may receive an MR signal receivedby the RF coil 26.

The transmission and reception switch 34 may adjust transmitting andreceiving directions of the RF signal and the MR signal. For example,the RF signal may be irradiated to the object 10 through the RF coil 26during a transmission mode, and the MR signal may be received by theobject 10 through the RF coil 26 during a reception mode. Thetransmission and reception switch 34 may be controlled by a controlsignal from an RF controller 56.

The monitoring unit 40 may monitor or control the gantry 20 or devicesmounted on the gantry 20. The monitoring unit 40 may include a systemmonitoring unit 42 (e.g., a system monitoring device, etc.), an objectmonitoring unit 44 (e.g., an object monitoring device, etc.), a tablecontroller 46, and a display controller 48.

The system monitoring unit 42 may monitor and control a state of amagnetostatic field, a state of a gradient magnetic field, a state of anRF signal, a state of an RF coil, a state of a table, a state of adevice measuring body information of an object, a power supply state, astate of a thermal exchanger, and a state of a compressor.

The object monitoring unit 44 monitors a state of the object 10. Indetail, the object monitoring unit 44 may include a camera for observingmovement or position of the object 10, a respiration measurer formeasuring the respiration of the object 10, an ECG measurer formeasuring ECG of the object 10, or a temperature measurer for measuringa temperature of the object 10.

The table controller 46 controls movement of the table 28 where theobject 10 is positioned. The table controller 46 may control themovement of the table 28 according to sequence control of a sequencecontroller 52. For example, during moving imaging of the object 10, thetable controller 46 may continuously or discontinuously move the table28 according to the sequence control of the sequence controller 52, andthus the object 10 may be photographed in a larger field of view FOVthan that of the gantry 20.

The display controller 48 controls the display 29 and the displayrespectively outside and inside the gantry 20. In detail, the displaycontroller 48 may turn on or off the display 29 and the display outsideand inside the gantry 20, and may control a screen to be output on thedisplay 29 and the display. When a speaker is located inside or outsidethe gantry 20, the display controller 48 may turn on or off the speakeror control the speaker to output sound.

The system control unit 50 may include the sequence controller 52 forcontrolling a sequence of signals formed in the gantry 20, and a gantrycontroller 58 for controlling the gantry 20 and devices mounted on thegantry 20.

The sequence controller 52 may include the gradient magnetic fieldcontroller 54 for controlling the gradient amplifier 32, and the RFcontroller 56 for controlling the RF transmitter 36, the RF receiver 38,and the transmission and reception switch 34. The sequence controller 52may control the gradient amplifier 32, the RF transmitter 36, the RFreceiver 38, and the transmission and reception switch 34 according to apulse sequence received from the operating unit 60. Here, the pulsesequence includes all information required to control the gradientamplifier 32, the RF transmitter 36, the RF receiver 38, and thetransmission and reception switch 34, for example, may includeinformation about strength, an application time, and an applicationtiming of a pulse signal applied to the gradient coil 24.

The operating unit 60 requests the system control unit 50 to transmitpulse sequence information while controlling an overall operation of thegeneral MRI system.

The operating unit 60 may include an image processor 62 for processingan MR signal received from the RF receiver 38, an output unit 64 (e.g.,an output device, etc.), and an input unit 66 (e.g., an input device,etc.).

The image processor 62 processes an MR signal received from the RFreceiver 38 so as to generate MR image data of the object 10.

The image processor 62 performs any one of various signal processes,such as amplification, frequency transformation, phase detection, lowfrequency amplification, and filtering, on an MR signal received by theRF receiver 38.

The image processor 62 may arrange digital data in a k space of a memoryand rearrange the digital data into image data via 2D or 3D Fouriertransformation.

The image processor 62 may perform a composition process or differencecalculation process on image data if required. The composition processmay include an addition process on a pixel or a maximum intensityprojection (MIP) process. The image processor 62 may not only storerearranged image data but also image data on which a composition processor difference calculation process is performed, in a memory (not shown)or an external server.

Signal processes applied to MR signals by the image processor 62 may beperformed in parallel. For example, a signal process may be performed ona plurality of MR signals received by a multi-channel RF coil inparallel so as to rearrange the plurality of MR signals as image data.

The output unit 64 may output image data generated or rearranged by theimage processor 62 to the user. The output unit 64 may outputinformation required for the user to manipulate the MRI system, such asuser interface (UI), user information, or object information. The outputunit 64 may include a speaker, a printer, a cathode-ray tube (CRT)display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display panel (PDP),an organic light-emitting device (OLED) display, a field emissiondisplay (FED), a light-emitting diode (LED) display, a vacuumfluorescent display (VFD), a digital light processing (DLP) display, aPFD display, a 3-dimensional (3D) display, or a transparent display, orany one of various output devices that are well known to one of ordinaryskill in the art.

The user may input object information, parameter information, a scancondition, a pulse sequence, or information about image composition ordifference calculation by using the input unit 66. The input unit 66 mayinclude a keyboard, a mouse, a track ball, a voice recognizer, a gesturerecognizer, or a touch screen, or may include any one of other variousinput devices that are well known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

The signal transceiver 30, the monitoring unit 40, the system controlunit 50, and the operating unit 60 are separate components in FIG. 1,but it is obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that functions ofthe signal transceiver 30, the monitoring unit 40, the system controlunit 50, and the operating unit 60 may be performed by anothercomponent. For example, the image processor 62 converts an MR signalreceived by the RF receiver 38 into a digital signal, but such aconversion to a digital signal may be directly performed by the RFreceiver 38 or the RF coil 26.

The gantry 20, the RF coil 26, the signal transceiver 30, the monitoringunit 40, the system control unit 50, and the operating unit 60 may beconnected to each other via wires or wirelessly, and when they areconnected wirelessly, the general MRI system may further include anapparatus (not shown) for synchronizing clocks therebetween.Communication between the gantry 20, the RF coil 26, the signaltransceiver 30, the monitoring unit 40, the system control unit 50, andthe operating unit 60 may be performed by using a high-speed digitalinterface, such as low voltage differential signaling (LVDS),asynchronous serial communication, such as universal asynchronousreceiver transmitter (UART), a low-delay network protocol, such as anerror synchronous serial communication or controller area network (CAN),or optical communication, or any other communication method that is wellknown to one of ordinary skill in the art.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a general CT system 100. Referring toFIG. 2, the CT system 100 may include a gantry 102, a table 105, anX-ray generating unit 106 (e.g., a ray generator, etc.), and an X-raydetecting unit 108 (e.g., an x-ray detector, etc.).

Since a tomography system, such as a CT system, is capable of providinga cross-sectional image of an object, the CT system may express an innerstructure (e.g., an organ such as a kidney, a lung, etc.) of the objectwithout an overlap therebetween, compared to a general X-ray capturingapparatus.

In detail, the tomography system may include any tomography apparatus,such as a CT apparatus, an optical coherence tomography (OCT) apparatus,or a positron emission tomography (PET)-CT apparatus.

Herein, a “tomography image” may be an image that is obtained by atomography apparatus by scanning an object, and formed by using dataprojected after irradiating a beam, such as an X-ray, on the object. Indetail, a “CT image” may be a composite image of a plurality of X-rayimages obtained by capturing an object while rotating around at leastone axis with respect to the object.

Hereinafter, the CT system 100 of FIGS. 2 and 3 will be described as anexample of the tomography system.

The CT system 100 may obtain a plurality of pieces of image data with athickness not more than 2 mm for several tens to several hundreds oftimes per second and then may process the plurality of pieces of imagedata, so that the CT system 100 may provide a relatively accuratecross-sectional image of the object. According to the related art, onlya horizontal cross-sectional image of the object can be obtained, butthis issue has been overcome due to various image reconstructionmethods. Examples of 3D image reconstruction methods are:

A shade surface display (SSD) method: The SSD method is an initial 3Dimaging method that displays only voxels having a predeterminedHounsfield Units (HU) value.

A maximum intensity projection (MIP)/minimum intensity projection(MinIP) method: The MIP/MinIP method is a 3D imaging method thatdisplays only voxels having the greatest or smallest HU value from amongvoxels that construct an image.

A volume rendering (VR) method: The VR method is an imaging methodcapable of adjusting a color and transmittance of voxels that constructan image, according to interest areas.

A virtual endoscopy method: This method allows an endoscopy observationin a 3D image that is reconstructed by using the VR method or the SSDmethod.

A multi-planar reformation (MPR) method: The MPR method is used toreconstruct an image into a different cross-sectional image. A user mayreconstruct an image in every desired direction.

An editing method: This method involves editing adjacent voxels so as toallow a user to easily observe an interest area in volume rendering.

A voxel of interest (VOI) method: The VOI method displays only aselected area in volume rendering.

The CT system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment will now bedescribed with reference to FIG. 3. The CT system 100 may includedevices having various forms.

The gantry 102 may include the X-ray generating unit 106 and the X-raydetecting unit 108.

An object 10 may be positioned on the table 105.

The table 105 may move in a predetermined direction (e.g., at least oneof up, down, right, and left directions) during a CT imaging procedure.The table 105 may tilt or rotate by a predetermined degree in apredetermined direction.

The gantry 102 may also tilt by a predetermined degree in apredetermined direction.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a structure of the CT system 100, according to anexemplary embodiment.

The CT system 100 may include the gantry 102, the table 105, a controlunit 118 (e.g., a controller, etc.), a storage unit 124 (e.g., astorage, a memory, etc.), an image processing unit 126 (e.g., an imageprocessor, etc.), a UI unit 128 (e.g., a user interface, etc.), adisplay unit 130 (e.g. a display, etc.), and a communication unit 132(e.g., a transceiver, etc.).

As described above, the object 10 may be positioned on the table 105. Inthe present exemplary embodiment, the table 105 may move in apredetermined direction (e.g., at least one of up, down, right, and leftdirections), and movement of the table 105 may be controlled by thecontrol unit 118.

The gantry 102 may include a rotating frame 104, the X-ray generatingunit 106, the X-ray detecting unit 108, a rotation driving unit 110, adata acquisition system (DAS) 116, and a data transmitting unit 120.

The gantry 102 may include the rotating frame 104 having a loop shapecapable of rotating with respect to a predetermined rotation axis RA.The rotating frame 104 may have a disc shape.

The rotating frame 104 may include the X-ray generating unit 106 and theX-ray detecting unit 108 that face each other so as to havepredetermined field of views FOVs. The rotating frame 104 may alsoinclude an anti-scatter grid 114. The anti-scatter grid 114 may bepositioned between the X-ray generating unit 106 and the X-ray detectingunit 108.

In a medical imaging system, X-ray radiation that reaches a detector (ora photosensitive film) includes not only attenuated primary radiationthat forms a valuable image but also includes scattered radiation thatdeteriorates a quality of an image. In order to transmit the primaryradiation and to attenuate the scattered radiation, the anti-scattergrid 114 may be positioned between a patient and the detector (or thephotosensitive film).

For example, the anti-scatter grid 114 may be formed by alternatelystacking lead foil strips and an interspace material such as a solidpolymer material, solid polymer, or a fiber composite material. However,formation of the anti-scatter grid 114 is not limited thereto.

The rotating frame 104 may receive a driving signal from the rotationdriving unit 110 and may rotate the X-ray generating unit 106 and theX-ray detecting unit 108 by a predetermined rotation speed. The rotatingframe 104 may receive the driving signal and power from the rotationdriving unit 110 while the rotating frame 104 contacts the rotationdriving unit 110 via a slip ring (not shown). The rotating frame 104 mayreceive the driving signal and power from the rotation driving unit 110via wireless communication.

The X-ray generating unit 106 may receive a voltage and current from apower distribution unit (PDU) (not shown) via a slip ring (not shown)and then a high voltage generating unit (not shown), and then maygenerate and emit an X-ray. When the high voltage generating unitapplies a predetermined voltage (hereinafter, referred as the tubevoltage) to the X-ray generating unit 106, the X-ray generating unit 106may generate X-rays having a plurality of energy spectrums thatcorrespond to the tube voltage.

The X-ray generated by the X-ray generating unit 106 may have apredetermined form due to a collimator 112 and then may be emitted.

The X-ray detecting unit 108 may be positioned facing the X-raygenerating unit 106. The X-ray detecting unit 108 may include aplurality of X-ray detecting devices. Each of the plurality of X-raydetecting devices may establish one channel but one or more exemplaryembodiments are not limited thereto.

The X-ray detecting unit 108 may detect the X-ray that is generated bythe X-ray generating unit 106 and that is transmitted via the object 10,and may generate an electrical signal corresponding to the intensity ofthe detected X-ray.

The X-ray detecting unit 108 may include an indirect-type X-ray detectorfor detecting radiation after converting the radiation into light, and adirect-type X-ray detector for detecting radiation after directlyconverting the radiation into electric charges. The indirect-type X-raydetector may use a scintillator. The direct-type X-ray detector may usea photon counting detector. The DAS 116 may be connected to the X-raydetecting unit 108. The electrical signal generated by the X-raydetecting unit 108 may be collected via a wired or wireless connectionby the DAS 116. The electrical signal generated by the X-ray detectingunit 108 may also be provided to an analog-to-digital converter (notshown) via an amplifier (not shown).

According to a slice thickness or the number of slices, only some of aplurality of pieces of data collected by the X-ray detecting unit 108may be provided to the image processing unit 126 via the datatransmitting unit 120, or the image processing unit 126 may select onlysome of the plurality of pieces of data.

The digital signal may be provided to the image processing unit 126 viathe data transmitting unit 120. The digital signal may be via wires orwirelessly provided to the image processing unit 126.

The control unit 118 may control an operation of each module in the CTsystem 100. For example, the control unit 118 may control operations ofthe table 105, the rotation driving unit 110 (e.g., a rotation driver,etc.), the collimator 112, the DAS 116, the storage unit 124, the imageprocessing unit 126, the input unit 128, the display unit 130, thecommunication unit 132, or the like.

The image processing unit 126 may receive data (e.g., pure data before aprocessing operation), which is obtained from the DAS 116, via the datatransmitting unit 120 (e.g., a data transmitter, etc.), and may performpre-processing.

The pre-processing may include a process of correcting sensitivityirregularity between channels, a process of correcting a signal loss dueto a rapid decrease of signal strength or due to an X-ray absorbingmaterial such as metal, or the like.

Data output from the image processing unit 126 may be referred as rawdata or projection data. The projection data and image-capturingconditions (e.g., the tube voltage, an image-capturing angle, etc.) whenobtaining the data may be stored together in the storage unit 124.

The projection data may be a group of data values that correspond to theintensity of the X-ray that passes through the object 10. Forconvenience of description, it is assumed that a group of a plurality ofpieces of projection data that are simultaneously obtained from allchannels by a same image-capturing degree is referred as a projectiondata set.

The storage unit 124 may include at least one storage medium from amonga flash memory-type storage medium, a hard disk-type storage medium, amultimedia card micro-type storage medium, card-type memories (e.g., anSD card, an XD memory, and the like), Random Access Memory (RAM), StaticRandom Access Memory (SRAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), ElectricallyErasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Programmable Read-OnlyMemory (PROM) magnetic memory, a magnetic disc, and an optical disc.

The image processing unit 126 may reconstruct a cross-sectional imagewith respect to the object 10 by using the projection data set. Thecross-sectional image may be a 3D image. In other words, the imageprocessing unit 126 may reconstruct the 3D image of the object 10 byusing a cone beam reconstruction method or the like, based on theprojection data set.

The UI unit 128 may receive an external input with respect to an X-raytomography imaging condition, an image processing condition, or thelike. For example, the X-ray tomography imaging condition may includetube voltages, energy value setting with respect to a plurality ofX-rays, selection of an image-capturing protocol, selection of an imagereconstruction method, setting of a field of view (FOV) area, the numberof slices, a slice thickness, parameter setting with respect to imagepost-processing, or the like. The image processing condition may includethe resolution of an image, attenuation coefficient setting with respectto the image, setting of an image combining ratio, or the like.

The UI unit 128 may include a device for receiving a predetermined inputfrom an external source. For example, the UI unit 128 may include amicrophone, a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a touch pad, a touch pen, avoice recognition device, a gesture recognition device, or the like.

The display unit 130 may display an X-ray tomography image reconstructedby the image processing unit 126.

Exchanges of data, power, or the like between the aforementionedelements may be performed by using at least one of wired communication,wireless communication, and optical communication.

The communication unit 132 may perform communication with an externaldevice, an external medical apparatus, etc. via a server 134 or thelike. The communication will now be described with reference to FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the communication unit 132 according to anexemplary embodiment.

The communication unit 132 of FIG. 4 may be connected to at least one ofthe gantry 20, the signal transceiver 30, the monitoring unit 40, thesystem control unit 50, and the operating unit 60 of FIG. 1. Thecommunication unit 132 may exchange data with a hospital server or othermedical apparatuses in a hospital connected via a picture archiving andcommunication system (PACS), according to a digital imaging andcommunications in medicine (DICOM) standard.

As shown in FIG. 4, the communication unit 132 may communicate with theserver 134, an external medical apparatus 136, or an external portabledevice 138 by being connected to a network 301 wirelessly or via wires.

In detail, the communication unit 132 may transmit or receive datarelated to diagnosing an object, via the network 301, and may alsotransmit or receive a medical image captured by the external medicalapparatus 136, such as a CT, an ultrasonic apparatus, or an X-rayapparatus.

The communication unit 132 of FIG. 4 may be included in the CT system100 of FIG. 3. In this case, the communication unit 132 of FIG. 4 andthe communication unit 132 of FIG. 3 are the same.

When the communication unit 132 is included in the CT system 100, thecommunication unit 132 may operate as follows.

The communication unit 132 may be connected to the network 301wirelessly or via wires and therefore may perform communication with theserver 134, the external medical apparatus 136, or the external portabledevice 138. The communication unit 132 may exchange data with a hospitalserver or other medical apparatuses in a hospital connected via PACS.The communication unit 132 may also perform data communication with theexternal portable device 138 or the like, according to a DICOM standard.

The communication unit 132 may transmit or receive data related todiagnosing the object 10, via the network 301. The communication unit132 may also transmit or receive a medical image obtained from theexternal medical apparatus 136 such as an MRI apparatus, an X-rayapparatus, or the like.

Furthermore, the communication unit 132 may receive a diagnosis historyor a medical treatment schedule about a patient from the server 134 andmay use the diagnosis history or the medical treatment schedule in aclinical diagnosis for the patient. The communication unit 132 may alsoperform data communication with not only the server 134 or the externalmedical apparatus 136 in a hospital but also with the external portabledevice 138 of a user or patient.

The communication unit 132 may also transmit information about a deviceerror, information about a quality control status, or the like to asystem manager or a service manager via the network 301, and may receivefeedback corresponding to the information.

As described above, medical images obtained by various medical imageproviding apparatuses express an object in various methods according totypes and photographing methods of the medical image providingapparatuses. Characteristics of the medical images differ according tothe types and photographing methods of the medical image providingapparatuses. For example, cancer tissue may be easily determined in onemedical image and blood vessels may be easily determined in anothermedical image.

Accordingly, an apparatus for providing a medical image suitable to anintention of a user may be provided by considering a region to be readfrom the medical image.

Hereinafter, a medical image providing apparatus for providing, when apredetermined region is selected from a medical image, a medical imagesuitable to an intention of a user in the selected predetermined region,according to one or more exemplary embodiments will be described withreference to FIGS. 5 through 23.

A medical image providing apparatus according to one or more exemplaryembodiments may be any image processing apparatus that is capable ofdisplaying, storing, and/or processing a medical image.

In detail, the medical image providing apparatus according to one ormore exemplary embodiments may be included in a tomography system, suchas the general MRI system or the CT system 100 described above withreference to FIGS. 1 through 4. Alternatively, the medical imageproviding apparatus may be included in the server 134, the externalmedical apparatus 136, or the external portable device 138 connected toat least one tomography system, such as the MRI system of FIG. 1 and theCT system 100, via the network 301. Here, the server 134, the externalmedical apparatus 136, or the external portable device 138 may be animage processing apparatus capable of displaying, storing, or processingat least one of an MRI image and a tomography image. For example, themedical image providing apparatus according to one or more exemplaryembodiment may be in a form of the server 134, the external medicalapparatus 136, or the external portable device 138, and may be a picturearchiving and communication system (PACS) capable of displaying,storing, or processing at least one of an MRI image and a tomographyimage.

Alternatively, the medical image providing apparatus may be included inany medical imaging system for reconstructing an image by using dataobtained by scanning an object, aside from the MRI system or the CTsystem 100, or may be connected to any medical imaging system.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a medical image providing apparatus 500according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5, the medical image providing apparatus 500 includesa control unit 510 (e.g., a controller, etc.), a display unit 520 (e.g.,a display), and a UI unit 530 (e.g., a user interface, etc.).

When the medical image providing apparatus 500 is included in thegeneral MRI system of FIG. 1, the medical imaging apparatus 500 mayequally correspond to the operating unit 60. In detail, the control unit510, the display unit 520, and the UI unit 530 may respectivelycorrespond to the image processor 62, the output unit 64, and the inputunit 66 of FIG. 1. Accordingly, descriptions of the medical imageproviding apparatus 500 that are the same as those made with respect toFIG. 1 are not repeated.

Alternatively, when the medical image providing apparatus 500 isincluded in the CT system 100 of FIG. 3, the control unit 510, thedisplay unit 520, and the UI unit 530 may respectively correspond to theimage processing unit 126 or the control unit 118, the display unit 130,and the UI unit 128 of FIG. 3. Accordingly descriptions of the medicalimage providing apparatus 500 that are the same as those made withrespect to FIG. 3 are not repeated.

Alternatively, the medical image providing apparatus 500 may be includedin the server 134, the external medical apparatus 136, or the externalportable device 138 of FIG. 4.

The display unit 520 displays a first image including an object. Here,the first image is a medical image of the object and may be any medicalimage captured to diagnose a disease, such as a tomography image like anMRI image or a CT image, an X-ray image, or an ultrasound image.Hereinafter, it is assumed that the first image is an MRI image of ahead of a patient.

When a first region in the first image is selected, the UI unit 530outputs a first list including at least one protocol applied whilescanning the object, and receives a selection on a first protocolincluded in the first list. Here, the first list output by the UI unit530 is displayed through the display unit 520. In detail, the first listmay include at least one CT protocol. Alternatively, the first list mayinclude at least one MRI protocol. Alternatively, the first list mayinclude at least one MRI protocol and at least one CT protocol.

Alternatively, the first list may include a list of images correspondingto a protocol applied while scanning the object.

In detail, the UI unit 530 generates a UI screen including the firstlist and outputs the UI screen to the display unit 520. Then, thedisplay unit 520 may display the UI screen. A user may see the firstlist displayed through the display unit 520 and select a predeterminedprotocol through the UI unit 530.

In detail, the UI unit 530 may receive a predetermined request, apredetermined command, or other data from the user.

For example, the UI unit 530 may include an input device including amouse, a keyboard, or hard keys for a data input. For example, the usermay select the first region in the first image by manipulating at leastone of the mouse, the keyboard, or another input device included in theUI unit 530.

Alternatively, the UI unit 530 may be a touch pad. In detail, the UIunit 530 may include a touch pad (not shown) combined to a display panel(not shown) included in the display unit 520, such that the UI screen isoutput on the display panel. Then, when a predetermined command is inputthrough the UI screen, the touch pad detects the predetermined commandto recognize the predetermined command input by the user.

In detail, when the UI unit 530 is a touch pad and the user touches apredetermined point of the UI screen, the UI unit 530 detects thetouched point. Then, the UI unit 530 may transmit information about thetouched point to the control unit 510. The control unit 510 mayrecognize a request or command of the user corresponding to a menuoption displayed on the touched point, and perform the recognizedrequest or command.

A first example of a method of imaging a medical image includes a methodof photographing an object by irradiating a beam, such as an X-ray, onthe object, like an imaging method of an X-ray image. Here, the objectis imaged regardless of a photographing technique or a scan mode. Here,the method may image the object without having to perform a separaterestoring or calculating operation to reconstruct an image.

A second example includes a method of imaging an object by variouslyapplying photographing techniques or scan modes while photographing theobject, such as an MRI or CT image.

In the second example, images having different characteristics may beobtained even when the same region of a body is photographed, by usingvarious variables considerable while scanning the object. In otherwords, an image suitable to a purpose may be obtained by changing a scanmode according to uses or purposes. Here, the method may perform aseparate restoring or calculating operation to reconstruct a targetimage.

Here, a technique applied while capturing a medical image by scanning anobject is referred to as a ‘scan protocol’ or a ‘protocol’, and will nowbe referred to as a ‘protocol’ herein. Image data may be obtained byapplying a protocol may be used to generate a medical image that is areconstructed image via image reconstruction. Alternatively, calculatedor post-processed data or image may be generated by using image dataobtained by applying a protocol.

In an MRI system, an object is scanned by applying various protocols,and an image of the object is reconstructed by using an MR signalobtained accordingly. Hereinafter, data obtained by scanning the object,for example, an MR signal or K-space data, will be referred to as imagedata, and an image of the object, which is reconstructed by using imagedata, will be referred to as a reconstructed image.

In a CT system, an object may be scanned by applying different protocolsbased on whether a contrast medium is administered. Also, in the CTsystem, obtained image data may be sinogram or projection data, and areconstructed image may be generated by using the obtained image data.

A protocol will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 7Aand 7B.

The control unit 510 may control a second image reconstructed by usingimage data obtained by applying the first protocol to be overlaid anddisplayed on the first region of the first image.

Alternatively, a plurality of partial regions may be selected from thefirst image. In this case, a predetermined protocol may be individuallyselected for the partial regions. Then, the control unit 510 may overlayand display reconstructed images corresponding to the individualprotocols selected for the partial regions, on the first region of thefirst image.

The control unit 510, the display unit 520, and the UI unit 530 may beconnected to each other wirelessly or via wires, and may exchange datatherebetween.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a medical image providing apparatus 600according to another exemplary embodiment. The medical image providingapparatus 600 of FIG. 6 further includes a memory 640, compared to themedical image providing apparatus 500.

In detail, a control unit 610, a display unit 620, and a UI unit 630 ofthe medical image providing apparatus 600 respectively correspond to thecontrol unit 510, the display unit 520, and the UI unit 530 of themedical image providing apparatus 500. Accordingly, descriptions aboutthe medical image providing apparatus 600 that are the same as those ofthe medical image providing apparatus 500 of FIG. 5 are not repeated.

The memory 640 may store various types of data related to a medicalimage. In detail, the memory 640 may store at least one piece of imagedata obtained by applying at least one protocol.

The memory 640 may also store at least one reconstructed image that isreconstructed by using at least one piece of image data obtained byapplying at least one protocol.

The medical image providing apparatuses 500 and 600 will now bedescribed in detail with reference to FIGS. 7A through 23.

FIG. 7A illustrates a plurality of MR images reconstructed by scanningan object according to different protocols.

An MRI protocol is a protocol related to a pulse sequence of an MRsignal. In detail, a protocol for obtaining an MRI reconstructed imageis related to a pulse sequence of a signal applied to an object whilescanning the object, or a signal generated correspondingly to an appliedpulse sequence, and may be classified according to a predeterminedperiod of a pulse sequence.

For example, an MR signal is generated correspondingly to an RF signalapplied to an object through the RF coil 26 included in the MRI system,while scanning the object.

In a pulse sequence of an RF signal, a time consumed by a nuclear spinto return back up to 63% of original magnetization is referred to as aT1 relaxation time, and a time consumed by the nuclear spin to dischargedown to 37% of the original magnetization is referred to as a T2relaxation time. The MRI protocol is related to at least one of the T1relaxation time and the T2 relaxation time. Hereinafter, the T1relaxation time is referred to as a ‘T1 period’ and the T2 relaxationtime is referred to as a ‘T2 period’.

In detail, a protocol for obtaining an MRI reconstructed image may belargely classified into a T1 period-related protocol, a T2period-related protocol, and a T1 and T2 period-related protocol. Indetail, examples of the protocol include a protocol for obtaining aT1-weighted image (hereinafter, referred to as a T1W protocol), aprotocol for obtaining a T2-weighted image (hereinafter, referred to asa T2W protocol), a protocol for obtaining a T1 flair image (hereinafter,referred to as a T1W flair protocol), a protocol for obtaining a T2flair image (hereinafter, referred to as a T2W flair protocol), aprotocol for obtaining a diffusion image (hereinafter, referred to as adiffusion protocol), and a protocol for obtaining a perfusion image(hereinafter, referred to as a perfusion protocol).

Examples of information that is post-processed or calculated by usingimage data obtained by applying a protocol include a cerebral bloodvolume (CBV) map, a cerebral blood flow (CBF) map, histogramequalization information, an apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map, atrace map, a perfusion map, an fMRI map showing brain functions, an MRIproperty map, such as a T1 map or a T2 map, a fractional anisotropy map,and a diffusion tractography map.

In addition, there are various protocols used to generate an MRI image,and the protocols may slightly vary according to product specificationsof the MRI system. Information may be obtained by using image dataobtained by applying the various protocols may vary.

An image reconstructed by using image data obtained by applying a T1Wprotocol is referred to as a T1-weighted image, and an imagereconstructed by using image data obtained by applying a T2W protocol isreferred to as a T2-weighted image. An image reconstructed by usingimage data obtained by applying a T1W flair protocol is referred to as aT1W flair image, and an image reconstructed by using image data obtainedby applying a T2W flair protocol is referred to as a T2W flair image. Animage reconstructed by using image data obtained by applying a diffusionprotocol is referred to as a diffusion image, and an image reconstructedby using image data obtained by applying a perfusion protocol isreferred to as a perfusion image. In addition, there are other varioustypes of MRI images. Also, at least one of different images may begenerated by using image data obtained by applying the same protocol.For example, a CBV map, a CBF map, and a mean transit time (MTT) map maybe obtained by applying a perfusion protocol. In other words, perfusionimages obtained by applying a perfusion protocol may include a CBV map,a CBF map, and an MTT map.

MRI images may be classified into anatomical images and functionalimages.

An anatomical image is an image reconstructed by directly sampling an MRsignal received from an object, when an MR image is captured by settingand applying an acquisition parameter as a predetermined value in thegeneral MRI system of FIG. 1. In other words, the anatomical image maybe obtained without having to perform a separate post-process orcalculation, by using data obtained by driving the MRI system.

Here, acquisition parameters are values of scan conditions applied whileperforming MRI photographing, and include a repetition time TR, an echotime TE, and a flip angle FA. The acquisition parameters may furtherinclude a band width, a slice gap, a slice thickness, and the number ofexcitations NEX, and other various acquisition parameters according tomodels or production specifications of the MRI system.

Here, an echo time TE is a time from when a 90° RF signal is applied toan object to when an echo signal is received, and affects a contrast ofa T2-weighted image. A repetition time TR is a time from when a 90° RFsignal is applied to obtain a signal about a selected cross section towhen a 90° RF signal is applied to obtain a next signal, and affects acontrast of a T1-weighted image.

A flip angle FA is a value indicating an angle of longitudinalmagnetization generated by using an RF signal. Here, a T1 weightedeffect is obtained when the flip angle FA is large, and a T2 weightedeffect is obtained when the flip angle FA is small.

A slice gap indicates a gap between two slices, and is set to apredetermined value to obtain a 2-dimensional (2D) image and is not setto obtain a 3D image. A slice thickness denotes a width of a voxel inwhich a signal is generated on a cross section of an object to beexamined. When the slice thickness is low, space resolution is high buta signal to noise ratio (SNR) is low.

The number of excitations NEX is a value indicating the number of timesan image signal emitted from each voxel of a tissue is excited toprepare one image. When the number of excitations NEX is high, an SNR ishigh.

For example, when a repetition time TR and an echo time TE are set to beshort, a T1-weighted image may be obtained by increasing a contrastbetween tissues having a fast T1 relaxation time and tissues having aslow T1 relaxation time, and reducing a T2 time difference according totraverse relaxation.

Alternatively, when a repetition time TR and an echo time TE are set tobe long, a T2-weighted image may be obtained by increasing a differenceof traverse relaxation as much as possible to increase a contrastbetween tissues, and reducing a longitudinal relaxation differencebetween tissues.

As described above, an anatomical image is an image obtained as the MRIsystem to which acquisition parameters set to predetermined values areapplied directly scans an object. In detail, examples of the anatomicalimage include a T1-weighted image, a T2-weighted image, a T1 flairimage, a T2 flair image, and a diffusion image.

A functional image is an image generated by using information extractedfrom the anatomical image described above, or information calculated byusing image data obtained by applying a predetermined protocol. Indetail, the functional image is an image generated by using informationthat is post-processed by using a data set obtained to restore ananatomical image, or calculated by using a data set obtained by applyinga predetermined protocol. In other words, the functional image cannot bedirectly reconstructed by using image data obtained by applying apredetermined protocol, but is obtained via a post-process orcalculation.

In detail, examples of the functional image include an ADC mapindicating tissue viability about whether tissues are alive or dead, CBFand CBV maps indicating blood-related information, an fMRI mapindicating brain functions, T1 and T2 maps indicating properties of anMRI sequence, a fractional anisotropy map, and a diffusion tractographyimage.

Examples of a functional image generated by using information calculatedusing image data obtained by applying a diffusion protocol include anADC map, a trace map, and a diffusion tractography image. Examples of afunctional image generated by using information calculated using imagedata obtained by applying a perfusion protocol include a mean transittime (MTT) map, a CBV map, and a CBF map. A T1 map may be obtained byusing image data obtained by applying a T1W protocol, and a T2 map maybe obtained by using image data obtained by applying a T2W protocol.Other various types of functional images may be obtained according toprotocols.

In a CT system, a protocol for generating a CT image may be largelyclassified into a case when CT photographing is performed by using acontrast medium and a case when a contrast medium is not used. Indetail, an example of a protocol for scanning a CT image by using acontrast medium includes a perfusion protocol. An example of a protocolfor scanning a CT image without using a contrast medium includes adigital subtraction angiography (DSA) image protocol (hereinafter,referred to as a DSA protocol). Other various protocols may be used tocapture a CT image, and may differ according to product specificationsof a CT system.

FIG. 7A illustrates images that are scanned and reconstructed byapplying MRI protocols. In detail, FIG. 7A illustrates a T1-weightedimage 710 and a T2-weighted image 720 obtained by respectively applyingthe T1W protocol and the T2W protocol from among MRI images.

Referring to FIG. 7A, the T1-weighted image 710 is an MRI image havingan excellent contrast between soft tissues and satisfactorily showing ananatomical structure. In the T1-weighted image 710, fat is shown inwhite due to high signal strength. A fast blood flow, a structure filledwith fluid, and cerebrospinal fluid are shown in black due to low signalstrength.

Referring to FIG. 7A, the T2-weighted image 720 is an MRI imagesatisfactorily showing a pathological lesion, and may be used todiagnose cancer. In the T2-weighted image 720, cerebrospinal fluid isshown in white, and fat and muscles are shown relatively dark due to lowor medium signal strength.

FIG. 7B illustrates images that are scanned and reconstructed byapplying CT protocols. In detail, when an object is a brain, FIG. 7Billustrates a CT angiography image 750 obtained according to a DSAprotocol that does not use a contrast medium, and a CT perfusion image760 captured by using a contrast medium.

FIG. 7B (a) shows the CT angiography image 750 obtained by applying theDSA protocol that does not use a contrast medium. The CT angiographyimage 750 is a CT image that clearly shows blood vessels.

FIG. 7B (b) shows the CT perfusion image 760 obtained by applying aperfusion protocol that performs scanning by using a contrast medium.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, imagesreconstructed by using image data obtained by applying differentprotocols differently express an object and have different imagecharacteristics.

The UI screens output from the medical image providing apparatuses 500and 600, according to one or more exemplary embodiments, will now bedescribed in detail with reference to FIGS. 8A through 37. Here, FIGS.8A through 37 will be described with reference to the medical imageproviding apparatus 600.

FIG. 8A is a diagram for describing operations of the medical imageproviding apparatus 600, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8A illustrates an example of an image displayed on the display unit620. In detail, the display unit 620 displays a screen 800 including afirst image 810 through a display panel included in the display unit620. The first image 810 included in the screen 800 displayed by thedisplay unit 620 may be any medical image of an object. In FIG. 8A, abrain MRI image is shown as the first image 810. In detail, the firstimage 810 is an anatomical image of the brain MRI image to representanatomical structure of a brain.

When a first region 820 in the first image 810 is selected, the UI unit630 outputs a first list including at least one protocol applied whilescanning an object. In detail, the first list may include at least oneitem corresponding to at least one of the plurality of MRI protocols andthe plurality of CT protocols described above.

In FIG. 8A, one region, i.e., the first region 820, is selected, butalternatively, a plurality of partial regions may be selected from thefirst image 810.

In detail, the UI unit 630 may receive a selection on a region ofinterest (ROI) in the first image 810 from a user. For example, when theuser selects a predetermined region by using a mouse, the UI unit 630may set the selected predetermined region as an ROI. Here, the ROI isthe first region 820.

One ROI is set in FIG. 8A, but alternatively, a plurality of ROIs may beset.

For example, when the user selects a predetermined point on the firstimage 810 while setting an ROI, an ROI having a predetermined sizearound the predetermined point may be automatically set. In detail, whenthe UI unit 630 includes a mouse and the user clicks a predeterminedpoint on the first image 810, a rectangular ROI having a predeterminedsize around the predetermined point may be set. Here, a size of an ROImay be pre-set by the user or may be set by the control unit 610.

Alternatively, when the UI unit 630 includes a touch pad and the usertouches a predetermined point on the first image 810 a predeterminednumber of times, a rectangular ROI having a predetermined size aroundthe touched predetermined point may be set.

Alternatively, while setting an ROI, the user may adjust a size of anROI through the UI unit 630 to set the first region 820. For example,when the UI unit 630 includes a mouse and the user clicks apredetermined point on the first image 810, a quadrangle for setting thefirst image 810 may be displayed and the user may adjust a size of thedisplayed quadrangle to adjust the size of the first region 820.

Furthermore, the user may adjust at least one of the size, location, andshape of the first region 820 by using any one of various input devicesin the UI unit 630.

The first region 820 may be automatically selected by the control unit610, without having to be selected by the user. In other words, thecontrol unit 610 may automatically select or extract the first region820 from the first image 810.

In detail, the control unit 610 may automatically extract a diagnosistarget region from the first image 810 and select the extracteddiagnosis target region as the first region 820. Here, the diagnosistarget region is an object for diagnosing a disease of a patient, forexample, a body organ, a body tissue, or a certain region of a body.

For example, when the user wants to diagnose an abnormality of a certainbrain blood vessel or a certain brain region, the user may input thediagnosis target region through the UI unit 630. Then, the control unit610 may automatically extract the input diagnosis target region.

The control unit 610 may automatically perform an organ segmentation ona medical image displayed on the display unit 530. Then, a segmentedregion may be selected as the first region 820. For example, when achest MRI image is captured and the user wants to determine whether atumor is generated in a certain organ, the control unit 610 may segmentorgans in the chest MRI image.

Here, when a plurality of organs are segmented, the UI unit 630generates a UI screen for selecting at least one of the plurality ofsegmented organs, and the display unit 620 displays the UI screen. Then,the user selects at least one organ through the displayed UI screen, anda region corresponding to the selected organ may be set as the firstregion 820.

Alternatively, when a plurality of organs are segmented, the controlunit 610 may set a plurality of partial regions including the pluralityof organs as the first regions 820.

Alternatively, the control unit 610 may automatically extract a diseasesuspected region from the first image 810 and select the diseasesuspected region as the first region 820. In detail, the control unit610 examines whether an abnormal tissue, an abnormal organ structure, ora lesion is generated in the first image 810. Then, the control unit 610may extract a region including the lesion, the abnormal tissue, or theabnormal organ structure as a disease suspected region, and select thedisease suspected region as the first region 820.

After the first region 820 is selected, the size of the first region 820may be expanded or reduced by using an edit menu (not shown) for thefirst region 820. In addition, even after the first region 820 isselected, the location of the first region 820 may be changed and reset.

For example, a shape of a cell may be deformed as a previous step of atumor. In this case, a deformed cell tissue may be determined as adisease suspected region, and the control unit 610 extracts the deformedcell tissue as the disease suspected region. Then, the control unit 610may select a region including the extracted disease suspected region asthe first region 820.

When the memory 640 stores at least one piece of image data obtained byapplying at least one protocol and a predetermined protocol is selectedfrom the first list, the control unit 610 reads predetermined image datacorresponding to the predetermined protocol stored in the memory 640.Then, a second image may be reconstructed in real-time by using the readpredetermined image data.

When the memory 640 stores a reconstructed image corresponding to aprotocol and a predetermined protocol is selected from the first list,the control unit 610 may generate a second image corresponding to thefirst region 820 in real-time by using the stored reconstructed image.

When a predetermined protocol is selected, the control unit 610 mayobtain image data in real-time by operating a medical image system, suchas an MRI system, for capturing a medical image by applying thepredetermined protocol. Then, the control unit 610 may reconstruct asecond image by using the obtained image data.

FIG. 8B is a diagram for describing operations of a medical imageproviding apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment. In FIG. 8A,the first image 810 included in the screen 800 displayed by the displayunit 620 is an MRI image, but in FIG. 8B, a first image 870 included ina screen 860 displayed by the display unit 620 is a CT image. In detail,in FIG. 8B, the first image 870 is an anatomical image of a brain CTimage to represent anatomical structure of a brain.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show diagrams for describing operations of the medicalimage providing apparatus 600, according to another exemplaryembodiment. In detail, FIG. 9A illustrates an example of a first list910 output on the display unit 620. FIG. 9B illustrates another exampleof a first list 955 output on the display unit 620.

Referring to FIG. 9A, a screen 900 displayed on the display unit 620includes the first image 810 and the first list 910.

Referring to FIG. 9A, when the first region 820 is selected, the medicalimage providing apparatus 600 may automatically output the first list910 including at least one protocol.

Here, the first list 910 may include at least one protocol describedabove. In detail, the first list 910 includes at least one protocolapplied while scanning an object. Here, the at least one protocol isused to obtain images of the same body region having differentcharacteristics, and as described above, may include at least one of MRIprotocols and CT protocols.

The first list 910 may also include image lists according to protocolsapplied while scanning an object. In FIG. 9A, a ‘T1W’ item in the firstlist 910 may denote a ‘T1W protocol’ or a ‘T1-weighted image’ scannedand reconstructed by applying the ‘T1W protocol’. Hereinafter, it isassumed that items in a first list denote protocols.

When the user manipulates the UI unit 630 to input a predeterminedcommand after the first region 820 is selected, the control unit 610 mayoutput the first list 910. For example, when the UI unit 630 includes amouse and the user right-clicks the mouse after the first region 820 isselected, the first list 910 may be output. Alternatively, when the userdouble-clicks the mouse after the first region 820 is selected, thefirst list 910 may be output. As another example, when the UI unit 630includes a touch pad and the user touches the first region 820 on thescreen 900 after the first region 820 is selected, the first list 910may be output.

Alternatively, the control unit 610 may output the first list 910 whenthe user manipulates the UI unit 630 in any one of various methods.

Referring to FIG. 9A, the first list 910 includes a T1W protocol, a T2Wprotocol, a diffusion protocol, perfusion protocol, etc., which are MRIprotocols.

The first list 910 of FIG. 9A may include other various protocols.

The user may select a predetermined protocol in the first list 910. Forexample, the user may select the T1W protocol through the UI unit 630.

When the T1W protocol is selected, the control unit 610 may overlay anddisplay on the first region 820, a T1-weighted image that is a secondimage reconstructed by using image data obtained by applying the T1Wprotocol. In other words, the display unit 620 may display the screen900 of FIG. 9A according to a control of the control unit 610.

Here, the second image displayed on the first region 820 may be apartial image corresponding to a predetermined region of the objectincluded in the first region 820 with respect to an image obtained byapplying a selected protocol.

For example, when the T1W protocol is selected, the control unit 610overlays and displays on the first region 820 of the first image 810, aregion 711 of FIG. 7 of the T1-weighted image 710, which equallycorresponds to the first region 820.

In detail, when the user wants to view an anatomical structure of thefirst region 820 in detail, the user may select a T1W protocol forgenerating a T1-weighted image that satisfactorily shows an anatomicalstructure, through the UI unit 630. Then, the control unit 610 overlaysand displays on the first region 820, the T1-weighted imagereconstructed by using image data obtained by the T1W protocol.

Alternatively, when it is suspected that a tumor is generated in thefirst region 820 by reading the first image 810, the user may select aT2W protocol for generating a T2-weighted image that satisfactorilyshows a tumor, through the UI unit 630. Then, the control unit 510overlays and displays on the first region 820, a T2-weighted imagereconstructed by using image data obtained by the T2W protocol.

Each item of the first list 910 may include a reconstructed imagecorresponding to a protocol. Here, a reconstructed image included ineach item of the first list 910 may be a whole image of an object or apartial image corresponding to the first region 820.

Referring to FIG. 9B, a screen 950 displayed on the display unit 620 mayinclude the first image 810 and the first list 955. Referring to FIG.9B, when the first region 820 is selected, the medical image providingapparatus 600 may output the first list 955 including at least oneprotocol.

Here, the first list 955 may include at least one protocol describedabove. Here, a plurality of protocols are used to obtain images of thesame body region having different characteristics, and as describedabove, may include at least one of MRI protocols and CT protocols.

Referring to FIG. 9B, the first list 955 includes a T1W protocol, a T2Wprotocol, a diffusion protocol, and a perfusion protocol, which are MRIprotocols 960, and a perfusion protocol that is a CT protocol 970. Also,the first list 955 may separately include the MRI protocol 960 and theCT protocol 970, as shown in FIG. 9B.

As described above, reconstructed images corresponding to protocols havedifferent characteristics according to protocols. Accordingly, aprotocol may be selected by considering a detailed region of an objectto be diagnosed, and a disease to be diagnosed in the detailed region.

As such, the medical image providing apparatuses 500 and 600 accordingto the exemplary embodiments output a list of protocols, and overlay anddisplay an image of a predetermined protocol in an ROI to output amedical image suitable to an intention of the user.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show diagrams for describing operations of the medicalimage providing apparatus 600, according to another exemplaryembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10A, a screen 1000 displayed on the display unit 620may include the first image 810 and a first list 1010. In detail, whenthe first region 820 is selected, the medical image providing apparatus600 may output the first list 1010.

Referring to FIG. 10A, the first list 1010 may include at least oneprotocol described above, and at least one manipulation menu item. Indetail, the first list 1010 may include a first sub-list 1020 includingat least one protocol, and a second sub-list 1030 including at least onemanipulation menu item. Here, a manipulation menu item is a menu optionfor manipulating characteristics of an image included in the firstregion 820 of the first image 810. Examples of the manipulation menuitem include a menu option for filtering an image of the first region820 by using a predetermined filter, a menu option for adjusting awindow level (WL) of the image of the first region 820, and a menuoption for adjusting a contrast of the image of the first region 820.

In FIG. 10A, the second sub-list 1030 including the at least onemanipulation menu item includes a first filter (filter 1), a secondfilter (filter 2), and a WL adjusting item (WL adjustment).

For example, when the user selects the filter 1 from the first list1010, the control unit 510 may filter an image of the first region 820by using the filter 1, and overlay and display the filtered image on thefirst region 820.

Alternatively, when the user selects the WL adjustment from the firstlist 1010, the control unit 510 may adjust a WL of the image of thefirst region 820, and overlay and display the adjusted image on thefirst region 820.

The at least one protocol and the at least one manipulation menu itemincluded in the first list 1010 may be included in one list.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10A, the first sub-list 1020 includingthe at least one protocol and the second sub-list 1030 including the atleast one manipulation menu item may be separately included in the firstlist 1010.

When a first item is selected from the first sub-list 1020 and a seconditem is continuously selected from the second sub-list 1030, an imagecorresponding to a protocol included in the first item may be changedaccording to a manipulation menu option included in the second item.Then, the changed image may be displayed on the first region 820.

For example, when a T1W protocol is selected from the first sub-list1020 and the filter 1 is continuously selected from the second sub-list1030 through the UI unit 630, the control unit 610 may display an imageobtained by filtering a T1-weighted image corresponding to the T1Wprotocol by using the filter 1, on the first region 820.

Referring to FIG. 10B, a screen 1050 displayed on the display unit 620may include the first image 810 and a first list 1051. In detail, whenthe first region 820 is selected, the medical image providing apparatus600 may output the first list 1051.

Referring to FIG. 10B, the first list 1051 may include a plurality ofsub-lists according to types of a medical imaging system. In FIG. 10B,the first list 1051 includes a first sub-list 1053 corresponding to anMRI system, and a second sub-list 1055 corresponding to a CT system.

Referring to FIG. 10B, the first sub-list 1053 includes at least one ofa plurality of MRI protocols 1061 and manipulation menu items 1062 of anMRI image.

As shown in FIG. 10B, a plurality of sub-lists corresponding to aplurality of medical imaging systems may each include protocols andmanipulation menu items. For example, the MRI protocols 1061 and themanipulation menu items 1062 may be distinguishably included in thefirst sub-list 1053, as shown in FIG. 10B. Alternatively, the MRIprotocols 1061 and the manipulation menu items 1062 may not bedistinguishably included in the first sub-list 1053.

The second sub-list 1055 includes at least one of CT protocols 1065 andmanipulation menu items 1066 of a CT image. Examples of the manipulationmenu items 1066 include an HU mapping menu and a fat measure menu.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for describing operations of the medical imageproviding apparatus 600, according to another exemplary embodiment. Alist included in a screen 1100 may be in a multistage form.

Referring to FIG. 11, the screen 1100 displayed on the display unit 620may include the first image 810 and a first list 1110. In detail, whenthe first region 820 is selected, the medical image providing apparatus600 may output the first list 1110.

Also, when a predetermined item included in the first list 1110 isactivated, at least one manipulation menu item 1120 corresponding to theactivated predetermined item is output. Here, the predetermined item isactivated by selecting the predetermined item or assigning thepredetermined item to select the predetermined item. For example, when acursor (not shown) is located on the predetermined item by using a mouseto select the predetermined item, the predetermined item may beactivated.

In detail, when the predetermined item, for example, a T2W protocolitem, included in the first list 1110 is activated, the UI unit 630 mayoutput the manipulation menu item 1120 depending on the T2W protocolitem.

Alternatively, when a predetermined item is selected, the predetermineditem may be activated. In detail, when a predetermined protocol isselected from the first list 1110, the display unit 620 may display thesub-list 1120 associated with the selected predetermined protocol. Forexample, when a T2W protocol is selected, the sub-list 1120 associatedwith the T2W protocol may be displayed through a pop-up window.

Accordingly, the user may additionally select a predeterminedmanipulation menu item for manipulating a T2-weighted image. Forexample, when a filter 1 is selected from the sub-list 1120, the controlunit 510 may filter a T2-weighted image reconstructed by using imagedata obtained according to a T2W protocol, and overlay and display thefiltered T2-weighted image on the first region 820.

A sub-list including at least one manipulation menu item may be added toeach of the protocols included in the first list 1110. In this case, theuser may be able to directly select a predetermined manipulation menuitem associated with a predetermined protocol without having to firstselect the predetermined protocol. In other words, the UI unit 630 mayoutput the plurality of protocols included in the first list 1110 afteradding the sub-list including the manipulation menu item 1120 to each ofthe plurality of protocols. In other words, even if a predetermined itemincluded in the first list 1110 is not activated, the manipulation menuitem 1120 may be added and output to each of the plurality of itemsincluded in the first list 1110.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for describing operations of the medical imageproviding apparatus 600, according to another exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 12, a screen 1200 displayed on the display unit 620may include the first image 810 and a first list 1210. In detail, whenthe first region 820 is selected, the medical image providing apparatus600 may output the first list 1210.

The first list 1210 may include at least one additional item calculatedby using at least one piece of image data obtained by applying at leastone protocol.

In detail, an MTT map, a CBV map, and a CBF map may be calculated byusing image data obtained by applying a perfusion protocol. An ADC mapand a trace map may be calculated by using image data obtained byapplying a diffusion protocol.

Accordingly, the first list 1210 includes a plurality of protocols, suchas a T1W protocol and a T2W protocol, and a plurality of additionalitems, such as histogram equalization, a CBF map, and a CBV map, whichare calculated by using image data obtained by applying a predeterminedprotocol.

For example, when a CBF map is selected through the UI unit 630, a CBVmap of a region included in the first region 820 may be overlaid anddisplayed on the first region 820.

FIG. 13A is a diagram for describing operations of the medical imageproviding apparatus 600, according to another exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 13A, a screen 1300 displayed on the display unit 620may include the first image 810 and a first list 1310. In detail, whenthe first region 820 is selected, the medical image providing apparatus600 may output the first list 1310.

In detail, referring to FIG. 13A, the first list 1310 includes at leastone protocol. When a predetermined protocol is selected from the firstlist 1310, an additional item list 1320 including an additional itemcalculated by using image data obtained by applying the selectedpredetermined protocol may be output.

For example, when a perfusion protocol is selected, the control unit 610may display the additional item list 1320 including a CBV map and a CBFmap calculated by using image data obtained by scanning an object byapplying the perfusion protocol. When the user selected a CBV map fromthe additional item list 1320, the control unit 610 may overlay anddisplay a CBV map corresponding to a region included in the first region820, on the first region 820.

FIG. 13B is a diagram for describing operations of the medical imageproviding apparatus 600, according to another exemplary embodiment.While describing a screen 1360 of FIG. 13B, descriptions thereof thatare the same as those of the screen 1300 of FIG. 13A are not provided.

Referring to FIG. 13B, the screen 1360 displayed by the display unit 620may include the first image 810 and the first list 1310. In detail, whenthe first region 820 is selected, the medical image providing apparatus600 may output the first list 1310. When a predetermined protocol isactivated from the first list 1310, a sub-list 1370 including at leastone image reconstructed, processed, or calculated by using image dataobtained by applying the selected predetermined protocol may be output.In other words, when a predetermined item is selected or is assigned toselect the predetermined item from the first list 1310, a protocolincluded in the predetermined item is activated. Then, the sub-list 1370including at least one image corresponding to the activated protocolincluded in the predetermined item is output.

Referring to FIG. 13B, when a perfusion protocol is activated from thefirst list 1310, the control unit 610 may control the sub-list 1370including a CBV map 1371, a CBF map 1372, an MTT map 1373, which arecalculated by using image data obtained by scanning an object byapplying the perfusion protocol, to be displayed. For example, when auser selects the CBV map 1371 from the sub-list 1370, the control unit610 may overlay and display a partial region included in the firstregion 820 of the CBV map on the first region 820 of the first image810.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for describing operations of the medical imageproviding apparatus 600, according to another exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 14, a screen 1400 displayed on the display unit 620may include the first image 810 and a first list 1410. In detail, whenthe first region 820 is selected, the medical image providing apparatus600 may output the first list 141.

Referring to FIG. 14, sub-lists 1420, 1430, and 1440 includingadditional items obtained, processed, or calculated by using image dataobtained by applying a relevant protocol may be added to the first list141 according to protocol items, and then the first list 141 may bedisplayed. In detail, a T2W protocol item and the sub-list 1420including a T2W flair protocol item may be added to a T2W protocol item.The sub-list 1430 including an ADC map item and a trace map item may beadded to a diffusion protocol item, and the sub-list 1440 including aCBF map item and a CBV map item may be added to a perfusion protocolitem.

In detail, an ADC map or a trace map may be calculated by using imagedata obtained by applying a diffusion protocol. Accordingly, an ADC mapand a trace map may be added to the sub-list 1430 corresponding to adiffusion protocol item.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for describing operations of the medical imageproviding apparatus 600, according to another exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 15, a screen 1500 displayed on the display unit 620may include the first image 810 and a first list 1510. In detail, whenthe first region 820 is selected, the medical image providing apparatus600 may output the first list 1510. Here, the first list 1510 mayinclude at least one protocol described above. The first list 1510 mayfurther include at least one additional item described above withreference to FIGS. 12 through 14.

The UI unit 630 may output a sub-list 1520 including a plurality ofpoints of time after adding the sub-list 1520 to each of the itemsincluded in the first list 1510. In detail, when a predetermined item isselected from the items included in the first list 1510, the UI unit 630may output the sub-list 1520 including at least one point of time itemindicating a point of time when image data or a reconstructed imagecorresponding to the selected predetermined item is obtained.

For example, let's assume that image data obtained on 1 Dec. 2012 byapplying a T2W protocol and image data obtained on 1 Dec. 2013 byapplying a T2W protocol are stored in the memory 640, or an imagereconstructed by using the image data obtained on 1 Dec. 2012 and animage reconstructed by using the image data obtained on 1 Dec. 2013 arestored in the memory 640. In this case, when a T2W protocol item in thefirst list 1510 is selected, the UI unit 630 may output the sub-list1520 including a ‘1 Dec. 2013’ item and a ‘1 Dec. 2013’ item, which arepoints of time when the image data corresponding to the T2W protocolitems are obtained. When the user selects the ‘1 Dec. 2012’ item, thecontrol unit 610 may overlay and display a T2-weighted imagereconstructed by using the image data obtained on 1 Dec. 2012, on thefirst region 820.

Alternatively, when a plurality of points of time items are selectedfrom the sub-list 1520, a plurality of reconstructed imagescorresponding to the selected plurality of points of time items may beall displayed on the first image 810. In this case, the user may easilydetermine a disease history of a patient in the first region 820.

Alternatively, a sub-list including at least one point of time item maybe added to each item included in the first list 1510. In this case, theuser may be able to directly select a point of time item associated witha predetermined item without having to first select the predetermineditem in the first list 1510.

The UI unit 630 may add an image display menu including a reconstructedimage according to at least one point of time to each item of the firstlist 1510.

Then, when a predetermined item is selected from the items in the firstlist 1510, the UI unit 630 may add and output an image display menuincluding a reconstructed image according to points of timecorresponding to the selected predetermined item. In other words, eachitem of the sub-list 1520 may include a reconstructed image obtained ata point of time displayed on each item. Here, a reconstructed imageincluded in each item of the sub-list 1520 may be a whole image of anobject or a partial image corresponding to the first region 820.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for describing operations of the medical imageproviding apparatus 600, according to another exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 16, a screen 1600 displayed on the display unit 620may include the first image 810 and a first list 1610. In detail, whenthe first region 820 is selected, the medical image providing apparatus600 may output the first list 1610.

Referring to FIG. 16, the first list 1610 may include at least one itemindicating a point of time when image data or reconstructed imageobtained by applying at least one protocol is obtained. Here, at leastone point of time item included in the first list 1610 is related to amedical image of the same patient and the same region.

For example, a first item 1611 in the first list 1610 is related to amedical image captured on 1 Dec. 2012, and a second item 1612 is relatedto a medical image captured on 1 Dec. 2013.

In detail, when the second item 1612 is selected through the UI unit630, the second item 1612 may include a sub-list 1620 including imagedata or a reconstructed image obtained by applying a predeterminedprotocol on 1 Dec. 2013. When the user selects a ‘T2W’ item from thesub-list 1610, the control unit 610 overlays and displays a T2-weightedimage on the first region 820 photographed on 1 Dec. 2013.

In detail, when the memory 640 distinguishably stores image datacorresponding to medical images or protocols regarding the same bodyregion of the same patient according to photographing points of time,the control unit 610 may read information about a photographing point oftime and a protocol from the memory 640. Then, the UI unit 630 mayoutput the first list 1610 and the sub-list 1620, as shown in FIG. 16,by using the information read by the control unit 610.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for describing operations of the medical imageproviding apparatus 600, according to another exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 17, a screen 1700 displayed on the display unit 620may include the first image 810 and a second list 1710. In detail, whenthe first region 820 is selected, the medical image providing apparatus600 may output the second list 1710.

In the medical image providing apparatus 600, when the first region 820included in the first image 810 is selected, the UI unit 630 may outputthe second list 1710 including at least one reconstructed imagecorresponding to a protocol. Hereinafter, a list including areconstructed image according to at least one protocol will be referredto as the second list 1710.

The UI unit 630 may receive a selection on a predetermined reconstructedimage included in the second list 1710. It is assumed that the selectedpredetermined reconstructed image is a first reconstructed image. Then,the control unit 610 may overlay and display a second image on the firstregion 820 of the first image 810, by using the first reconstructedimage.

In detail, the second image overlaid on the first region 820 is an imageincluded in an area corresponding to a predetermined region of an objectincluded in the first region 820, with respect to the firstreconstructed image.

Referring to FIG. 17, reconstructed images 1720 and 1730 included in thesecond list 1710 may be partial images corresponding to the first region820. In detail, the reconstructed images 1720 and 1730 may equallycorrespond to the regions 711 and 721 described above with reference toFIG. 7A, respectively.

In detail, when the user selects any one of the reconstructed images1720 and 1730 included in the second list 1710, the selectedreconstructed image 1720 or 1730 is overlaid and displayed on the firstregion 820.

For example, the user may select a first reconstructed image by clickingand dragging any one of the reconstructed images 1720 and 1730 includedin the second list 1710. Alternatively, the user may select a firstreconstructed image by doubling clicking any one of the reconstructedimages 1720 and 1730. A method of selecting one of the reconstructedimages 1720 and 1730 may differ based on an input device included in theUI unit 630, examples of the input device including a keyboard, a mouse,and a touch pad.

In FIG. 17, the first region 820 that is one partial region is selected,but alternatively, a plurality of partial regions may be selected fromthe first image 810. In this case, a reconstructed image to be overlaidmay be individually selected according to the selected plurality ofpartial regions.

The second list 1710 may include at least one manipulation menu item(not shown) for manipulating at least one reconstructed image or thefirst region 820 of the first image 810. Since the manipulation menuitem has been described above with reference to FIG. 10A, detailsthereof are not repeated here.

Alternatively, the second list 1710 may include a first sub-list (notshown) including at least one reconstructed image, and a second sub-list(not shown) including at least one manipulation menu item formanipulating the first region 820. Here, the first and second sub-listsmay be distinguishably displayed as shown in FIG. 10A.

Alternatively, the second list 1710 may include at least one additionalimage (not shown) generated by using at least one piece of image dataobtained by applying at least one protocol.

Here, the additional image is information obtained by using image dataobtained by applying a protocol as described above, and may be a CBVmap, a CBF map, or a histogram equalization image. The additional imagethat may be included in the second list 1710 equally corresponds to animage corresponding to the additional item described with reference toFIG. 12.

FIGS. 18A and 18B show diagrams for describing operations of the medicalimage providing apparatus 600, according to another exemplaryembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 18A, a screen 1800 displayed on the display unit 620may include the first image 810 and a second list 1810. In detail, whenthe first region 820 is selected, the medical image providing apparatus600 may output the second list 1810.

Referring to FIG. 18A, the second list 1810 may include at least onereconstructed image corresponding to a protocol. Here, the reconstructedimage included in the second list 1810 may be a whole image of anobject.

In detail, a reconstructed image 1820 and a reconstructed image 1830included in the second list 1810 may equally correspond to theT1-weighted image 710 and the T2-weighted image 720 of FIG. 7A,respectively.

When the user selects any one of the reconstructed images 1820 and 1830included in the second list 1810, the control unit 610 may overlay anddisplay a region of the selected reconstructed image 1820 or 1830, whichcorrespond to the first region 820, on the first region 820.

Referring to FIG. 18B, a screen 1850 shows a reconstructed imageincluded in the second list 1810 may be a whole image of an object, anda region corresponding to the first region 820 may be displayed onreconstructed images, i.e., the T1 and T2-weighted images 710 and 720,included in the second list 1810.

Referring to FIG. 18B, a region 1860 corresponding to the first region820 may be displayed in the T1-weighted image 710, and a region 1870corresponding to the first region 820 may be displayed in theT2-weighted image 720.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for describing operations of the medical imageproviding apparatus 600, according to another exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 19, a screen 1900 displayed on the display unit 620may include the first image 810 and a second list 1910. In detail, whenthe first region 820 is selected, the medical image providing apparatus600 may output the second list 1910.

In the second list 1910, each of items 1920 and 1930 may include areconstructed image 1921 according to protocols, and information 1922about the reconstructed image 1921. Here, the information 1922 mayinclude a protocol of the reconstructed image 1921. The information 1922may further include at least one of a point of time when thereconstructed image 1920 is obtained, and a disease history of apatient. The reconstructed image 1921 may be a whole image or partialimage of an object.

FIG. 20 is a diagram for describing operations of the medical imageproviding apparatus 600, according to another exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 20, a screen 2000 displayed on the display unit 620may include the first image 810 and a second list 2010. In detail, whenthe first region 820 is selected, the medical image providing apparatus600 may output the second list 2010.

The UI unit 630 may generate at least one manipulation menu item formanipulating each of at least one reconstructed image, and may add thegenerated at least one manipulation menu item to each of the at leastone reconstructed image included in the second list 2010.

For example, each item, for example, a first item 2020, included in thesecond list 2010 may include a reconstructed image 2012 and amanipulation menu item 2022.

When the user selects a filter 1 included in the first item 2020, thecontrol unit 610 may filter the reconstructed image 2012 by using thefilter 1, and overlay and display the filtered reconstructed image 2012on the first region 820.

FIG. 21 is a diagram for describing operations of the medical imageproviding apparatus 600, according to another exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 21, a screen 2100 displayed on the display unit 620may include the first image 810 and a second list 2110. In detail, whenthe first region 820 is selected, the medical image providing apparatus600 may output the second list 2110.

Referring to FIG. 21, each item of the second list 2110 may include atleast one reconstructed image according to points of time correspondingto a protocol. Here, a ‘reconstructed image according to points of time’denotes a medical image captured and reconstructed at a predeterminedpoint of time.

For example, a first item 2120 of the second list 2110 may include aplurality of T1-weighted images. In detail, the first item 2120 mayinclude a T1-weighted image 2121 captured on 1 Dec. 2012, and aT1-weighted image 2122 captured on 1 Dec. 2013.

For example, when the user selects the T1-weighted image 2121, theT1-weighted image 2121 captured on 1 Dec. 2012 is overlaid and displayedon the first region 820.

FIG. 22A is a diagram for describing operations of the medical imageproviding apparatus 600, according to another exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 22A, a screen 2200 displayed on the display unit 620may include the first image 810 and a second list 2210. In detail, whenthe first region 820 is selected, the medical image providing apparatus600 may output the second list 2210.

Each item included in the second list 2210 may include at least oneimage corresponding to the same protocol. In detail, each item includedin the second list 2210 may include sub-items reconstructed orcalculated by using image data obtained by the same protocol. In detail,a first item 2220 of the second list 2210 may include a T1-weightedimage 2221 and a T1 weighted flair image 2222, which are reconstructedby using image data obtained by a T1 protocol. A second item 2230 mayinclude a CBF map and a CBV map, which are generated by using image dataobtained by a perfusion protocol. Also, an image included in the secondlist 2210 may be a partial image indicating a region of an objectincluded in the first region 820, or an image indicating the objectcorresponding to the first image 810. In FIG. 22A, the second list 2210includes the partial image.

For example, when the user selects the T1-weighted image 2221, theT1-weighted image 2221 may be overlaid and displayed on the first region820.

The control unit 610 may provide a preview function of a reconstructedimage according to protocols, even before a predetermined protocol isselected.

In detail, the control unit 610 may display a preview menu of areconstructed image corresponding to a predetermined item included in afirst list that is focused by using an input device included in the UIunit 630.

A preview function will now be described in detail with reference toFIGS. 23 and 24. It is assumed that a preview menu is a reconstructedimage corresponding to a predetermined item that is focused.

FIG. 22B is a diagram for describing operations of the medical imageproviding apparatus 600, according to another exemplary embodiment. Thecontrol unit 620 may control a list included in a screen 2260 to beoutput in a multistage form.

Referring to FIG. 22B, the screen 2260 displayed by the display unit 620may include the first image 810 and a second list 2270. In detail, whenthe first region 820 is selected, the medical image providing apparatus600 may output the second list 2270.

The second list 2270 may include a T1-weighted image 2271 obtainedaccording to a T1W protocol, a T2-weighted image 2272 obtained accordingto a T2W protocol, and a CBV map 2273 obtained according to a perfusionprotocol.

Also, when a predetermined item included in the second list 2270 isactivated, a sub-list 2280 including at least one image corresponding toat least one of an additional item and a manipulation menu item relatedto the activated predetermined item may be output.

Referring to FIG. 22B, when the CBV map 2273 obtained according to theperfusion protocol is activated from the second list 2270, the controlunit 620 may control the sub-list 2280 including at least one imagecorresponding to at least one of an additional item and a manipulationmenu item related to the perfusion protocol to be output. In FIG. 22B,the sub-list 2280 includes a CBF map 2281 and an mTT map 2282, which areimages calculated by using image data obtained by applying the perfusionprotocol.

When one of the images included in the second list 2270 or the sub-list2280 is selected, the control unit 620 may control a partial imagecorresponding to the first region 820 of the selected image to beoverlaid and displayed on the first region 820 of the first image 810.

FIG. 23 is a diagram for describing operations of the medical imageproviding apparatus 600, according to another exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 23, a screen 2300 displayed on the display unit 620includes the first image 810 and a first list 2310. In detail, when thefirst region 820 is selected from the first image 810, the medical imageproviding apparatus 600 may output the first list 2310 including atleast one protocol.

The user may focus a predetermined item of the first list 2310 by usingan input device included in the UI unit 630. As described above, whenthe input device is a mouse, a keyboard, or a touch pad, the user mayselect the predetermined item by using a cursor 2311 corresponding tomanipulation of the input device. In detail, the user may locate thecursor 2311 on the predetermined item, and select the predetermined itemthrough the input device. For example, when the user selects thepredetermined item by using a mouse, the user may move the cursor 2311to a desired location and then double-click the mouse so as to select a‘T2W protocol’ item where the cursor 2311 is located.

In this case, referring to FIG. 23, a reconstructed image correspondingto a protocol focused by the user may be displayed even before the firstregion 820 is selected.

When the user locates the cursor 2311 on the predetermined item of thefirst list 2310, a reconstructed image corresponding to thepredetermined item may be overlaid and displayed on the first region 820even before the user selects the predetermined item by determining thatthe predetermined item where the cursor 2311 is located is activated.When the cursor 2311 moves to another item, a reconstructed imageoverlaid on the first region 820 may correspondingly change.

The user may pre-view an image corresponding to a protocol correspondingto a predetermined item on the first region 820 by locating the cursor2311 on the predetermined item, and finally select or not select thepredetermined item.

FIGS. 24A and 24B show diagrams for describing operations of the medicalimage providing apparatus 600, according to another exemplaryembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 24A, a screen 2400 displayed on the display unit 620includes the first image 810 and a first list 2410. In detail, when thefirst region 820 is selected from the first image 810, the medical imageproviding apparatus 600 may output the first list 2410 including atleast one protocol.

Referring to FIG. 24A, when the user focuses a predetermined item of thefirst list 2410 by using an input device included in the UI unit 630,the control unit 610 may display a reconstructed image 2420corresponding to the focused predetermined item. Here, the reconstructedimage 2420 may be an image corresponding to the first image 810 or apartial image corresponding to the first region 820. In FIG. 24A, thereconstructed image 2420 is the image corresponding to the first image810.

In detail, when the user locates a cursor on a predetermined item of thefirst list 2410 by using a mouse, the control unit 610 may perform apreview function by displaying a reconstructed image corresponding tothe predetermined item where the cursor is located, on the screen 2400.When the location of the cursor is changed to another item, areconstructed image displayed on the screen 2400 may be changedaccordingly. Accordingly, in FIG. 24A, the reconstructed image 2420 thatis a T2-weighted image corresponding to a ‘T2W protocol’ where a cursor2411 is located may be displayed on the screen 2400.

Here, the reconstructed image 2420 may be a whole image corresponding toa predetermined protocol, and a region 2430 corresponding to the firstregion 820 may be displayed.

Referring to FIG. 24B, when the user focuses a predetermined item of afirst list 2460 by using an input device included in the UI unit 630,the control unit 610 may display a reconstructed image 2470corresponding to the focused predetermined item. Accordingly, thereconstructed image 2470 that is a T2-weighted image corresponding to a‘T2W protocol’ where a cursor 2461 is located may be displayed on ascreen 2450.

Here, the reconstructed image 2470 is reconstructed by applying the T2Wprotocol, and may include a region corresponding to the first region820.

FIGS. 25A and 25B show diagrams for describing operations of the medicalimage providing apparatus 600, according to another exemplaryembodiment.

As described above with reference to FIG. 8A, a plurality of partialregions may be selected from the first image 810 via a user's setting orautomatic extraction.

Referring to FIG. 25A, a screen 2500 displayed on the display unit 620may include the first image 810 and a first list 2510. In detail, when aplurality of first regions 820 and 2520 are selected, the medical imageproviding apparatus 600 may output the first list 2510 for selecting aprotocol corresponding to each of the first regions 820 and 2520.

In order to select protocols respectively corresponding to a pluralityof partial regions, the plurality of partial regions may be sequentiallyhighlighted.

In detail, when the first region 2520 on the left is highlighted, aprotocol of an image to be overlaid on the first region 2520 may befirst selected through the first list 2510. After the protocolcorresponding to the first region 2520 on the left is selected, thefirst region 820 on the right may be continuously highlighted. Then, theuser may select a protocol of an image to be overlaid on the firstregion 820 on the right through the first list 2510.

Referring to FIG. 25A, a T1W protocol is selected as denoted by areference numeral 2511 correspondingly to the first region 2520 on theleft, and a T2W protocol is selected as denoted by a reference numeral2513 correspondingly to the first region 820 on the right. Here,protocols selected correspondingly to a plurality of partial regions maybe displayed as shown in regions 2530 so that the user easily recognizesthe selected protocols. After the protocols are selected as such, imagesaccording to the protocols corresponding to the plurality of partialregions may be overlaid and displayed on the plurality of partialregions.

Referring to FIG. 25B, a screen 2550 displayed on the display unit 620may include the first image 810 and the plurality of first lists 2560and 2570 for respectively selecting the first regions 820 and 2520. Indetail, when the first regions 820 and 2520 are selected, the medicalimage providing apparatus 600 may output the first lists 2560 and 2570for respectively selecting protocols corresponding to the first regions820 and 2520.

Referring to FIG. 25B, the screen 2550 may include the first list 2570for selecting the protocol corresponding to the first region 2520 on theleft, and the first list 2560 for selecting the protocol correspondingto the first region 820 on the right.

Referring to FIG. 25B, a T1W protocol is selected as denoted by areference numeral 2571 correspondingly to the first region 2520 on theleft, and a T2W protocol is selected as denoted by a reference numeral2561 correspondingly to the first region 820 on the right.

FIG. 26 is a diagram for describing operations of the medical imageproviding apparatus 600, according to another exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 26, a screen 2600 displayed on the display unit 620may include the first image 810 and a first list 2610. In detail, whenthe first region 820 is selected, the medical image providing apparatus600 may output the first list 2610. Here, the first list 2610 mayinclude at least one of anatomical image items corresponding toprotocols and functional image items corresponding to protocols.

Images corresponding to protocols described above may be classified intoanatomical images and functional images.

Referring to FIG. 26, the first list 2610 may include anatomical imageitems 2620 and functional image items 2630.

As shown in FIG. 26, the anatomical image items 2620 may include aT1-weighted image (T1W), a T1 flair image (T1W flair), a T2-weightedimage (T2W), and a T2 flair image (T2W flair). The functional imageitems 2630 may include an ADC map, a trace map, a CBF map, and a CBVmap. Here, the anatomical image items 2620 and the functional imageitems 2630 may be separated and listed as shown in FIG. 26. Variousanatomical image items and various functional image items other thanthose shown in FIG. 26 may be further included.

FIGS. 27A and 27B show diagrams for describing operations of the medicalimage providing apparatus 600, according to another exemplaryembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 27A, a screen 2700 displayed on the display unit 620may include the first image 810 and a first list 2710. Here, the firstlist 2710 may separately display an anatomical image and a functionalimage.

In detail, when the first region 820 is selected, the medical imageproviding apparatus 600 may output the first list 2710. The first list2710 includes an anatomical image item 2711 corresponding to a protocol,and a functional image item 2712 corresponding to a protocol. The firstlist 2710 may further include a past medical image item 2713 of the samepatient.

In order to receive a selection on an anatomical image and a functionalimage, the UI unit 630 may output a menu list in stages. For example,when the user selects the functional image item 2712 from the first list2710, the UI unit 630 outputs a first sub-list 2720 including items ofprotocols corresponding to the functional image item 2712. Continuouslywhen the user selects a predetermined protocol, for example, a perfusionprotocol, from the first sub-list 2720, the UI unit 630 outputs a secondsub-list 2730 including functional image items corresponding to theselected predetermined protocol. Referring to FIG. 27B, examples of afunctional image obtained by using image data obtained by applying aperfusion protocol include an MTT image, a CBV image, and a CBF image.

FIGS. 28A, 28B and 28C show diagrams for describing operations of themedical image providing apparatus 600, according to another exemplaryembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 28A, a screen 2800, in which a predetermined protocolor a predetermined image item is selected from a first list and a secondimage corresponding to the selected predetermined protocol is overlaidon a first region 2810, is illustrated. It is assumed that a T2-weightedimage is overlaid on the first region 2810 in FIG. 28A.

The second image overlaid on the first region 2810 may be expanded orreduced. In detail, the control unit 610 may control the second image tobe expanded or reduced in response to a user's request input through theUI unit 630. Here, a partial image that is overlaid may be simplyexpanded or reduced. Alternatively, a size of the first region 2810 maybe expanded or reduced such that a range of an object included on thefirst region 2810 is expanded or reduced.

Referring to FIG. 28B, when the size of the first region 2810 isexpanded or reduced by using an input device included in the UI unit630, a size of the second image is also expanded or reduced according tothe first region 2810 to be overlaid on the first region 2810.

In detail, as shown in FIG. 28B, the range of the object included in asecond image 2860 may be expanded. Accordingly, a screen 2850 of FIG.28B may be displayed to the user.

Referring to FIG. 28C, an image obtained by expanding or reducing thesecond image overlaid on the first region 2810 may be displayed.

In detail, as shown in FIG. 28C, a second image 2890 obtained byexpanding a second image that was overlaid on the first region 2810 maybe displayed. Accordingly, a screen 2880 of FIG. 28C may be displayed tothe user.

FIG. 29 is a diagram for describing operations of the medical imageproviding apparatus 600, according to another exemplary embodiment.

The control unit 610 may switch and display a first region 2910 and afirst image 2900, according to a user's request input through the UIunit 630. In detail, an image type of an image displayed in the firstregion 2910 and an image type of the first image 2900 displayedthroughout a screen may be mutually switched.

Referring to FIG. 29, a T2W protocol is selected from a first list, anda T2-weighted image may be overlaid and displayed on the first region2910. In FIG. 29, the first image 2900 is an MRI scout image.

Referring to FIG. 29, when the user requests the image types of thefirst region 2910 and first image 2900 to be switched through the UIunit 630, a first image 2950 that is a whole image is switched from anMRI scout image to a T2-weighted image, and a first image 2960 that is apartial image is switched from a T2-weighted image to an MRI scoutimage.

In detail, in order to change an image type, the UI unit 630 may outputa menu including an ‘image type changing key’ (not shown).Alternatively, an image type may be changed when the user touches orclicks the first image 2900 a predetermined number of times.

FIGS. 30A and 30B show diagrams for describing operations of the medicalimage providing apparatus 600, according to another exemplaryembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 30A, a screen 3000 displayed on the display unit 620may include the first image 810, a first list 3010, and a second list3020. Here, the first list 3010 is used to select a protocol of an imageto be displayed on the first region 820. The second list 3020 is used toselect a protocol of an image to be displayed on the first image 810 butnot on the first region 820.

In other words, when the first region 820 is set as an ROI, protocolscorresponding to the inside and outside of the ROI may be individuallyset.

Referring to FIG. 30B, a protocol of an image to be overlaid on thefirst region 820 is selected to be a T2W protocol from a first list3060, and a protocol of the first image 810 but not on the first region820 is selected to be a T1W protocol from a second list 3070.Accordingly, a T2-weighted image is displayed on the first region 820and a T1-weighted image is displayed on the first image 810 but not onthe first region 820.

FIGS. 31A and 31B show diagrams for describing operations of the medicalimage providing apparatus 600, according to another exemplaryembodiment.

Here, in the control unit 610, a protocol may be first selected before afirst region is selected, and then the first region may be set after theprotocol is selected.

Referring to FIG. 31A, the display unit 620 may display a screen 3100including a first list 3120. The user may select a predetermined itemincluded in the first list 3120 by using a cursor 3130. Here, the firstlist 3120 may have any one of various shapes shown in FIGS. 9 through30, as well as a shape shown in FIGS. 31A and 31B. For example, thefirst list 3120 may include at least one of a plurality of anatomicalimage items corresponding to a protocol and a plurality of functionalimage items corresponding to a protocol.

Referring to FIG. 31B, when the user selects a predetermined item, forexample, a T2W protocol item, through the UI unit 630 as denoted by areference numeral 3140, the control unit 610 may then set a first region3150.

Here, the first region 3150 may be set through the UI unit 630, or maybe automatically set by the control unit 610.

In detail, the UI unit 630 may receive a setting on an ROI on the firstimage 810 included in the screen 3100 from the user. Then, the controlunit 610 may set the ROI as the first region 3150. Then, a reconstructedimage corresponding to the selected protocol may be overlaid anddisplayed on the first region 3150.

Alternatively, when a predetermined protocol is selected from the firstlist 3120, the control unit 610 may extract a region capable of mostsatisfactorily expressing an image corresponding to the selectedpredetermined protocol, as the first region 3150. For example, when aCBF map of a perfusion protocol is selected from the first list 3120,the CBF map most satisfactorily shows blood flow. Accordingly, thecontrol unit 610 may set a region including blood vessels where bloodmostly flows, as the first region 3150.

FIG. 32 is a diagram for describing operations of the medical imageproviding apparatus 600, according to another exemplary embodiment.

In the control unit 610, a protocol may be first selected before a firstregion is selected, and while setting the first region after theprotocol is selected, a plurality of protocols may be selected and thena plurality of first regions corresponding to the selected plurality ofprotocols may be set. In detail, the user may manipulate an input deviceof the UI unit 630 to move a location of a cursor 3207 so as to select aplurality of protocols from list 3205.

In detail, referring to FIG. 32, a screen 3200 showing that a T2Wprotocol is selected first, and then a first region 3210 correspondingto the T2W protocol is set. Then, a T1W protocol is selected, and afirst region 3220 corresponding to the T1W protocol is set.

FIG. 33 is a diagram for describing operations of the medical imageproviding apparatus 600, according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 33 illustrates a screen including a first image 3300 displayed onthe display unit 620.

The UI unit 630 may receive a selection on at least one first region3310 from the first image 3300 including an object. In FIG. 33, oneregion, i.e., the first region 3310, is selected, but alternatively, aplurality of partial regions may be selected.

The control unit 610 may display a second image reconstructed by usingat least one piece of image data obtained by scanning the object byapplying at least one protocol, on the first region 3310 of the firstimage 3300.

In detail, the control unit 610 may obtain image data corresponding to apredetermined protocol and reconstruct a second image by using theobtained image data, based on a region of the object included in thefirst region 3310.

In detail, the control unit 610 may analyze an image included in thefirst region 3310 to determine whether the region of the object includedin the first region 3310 has a disease or disorder. When there is adisease or disorder, a reconstructed image may be generated according toprotocols so as to further accurately read the disease or disorder.

In detail, when it is determined that there is a tumor by analyzing animage included in the first region 3310, the control unit 610 mayreconstruct a T2-weighted image for accurately reading the tumor.

Alternatively, for example, when it is determined that blood vessels inan image included in the first region 3310 are abnormal after analyzingthe image, for example, when hemadostenosis is found, the control unit610 may generate a CBV map or CBF map corresponding to a perfusionprotocol so as to further accurately read the blood vessels or bloodflow. The generated CBV map or CBF map may be overlaid and displayed onthe first region 3310.

The control unit 610 may select at least one piece of image data fromamong a plurality of pieces of image data obtained by scanning an objectby applying at least one protocol, and generate a second image by usingthe selected at least one piece of image data, based on a region of theobject included in the first region 3310.

In detail, the memory 640 may include at least one piece of image datacorresponding to at least one protocol. Here, when it is determined thatthere is a disease or disorder after analyzing an image of the region ofthe object included in the first region 3310, the control unit 610 mayread image data for accurately reading the disease or disorder from thememory 640 and reconstruct a second image.

Alternatively, the memory 640 may store at least one reconstructed imagereconstructed by using at least one piece of image data corresponding toat least one protocol. Here, when it is determined that there is adisease or disorder after analyzing the partial image indicating theregion of the object included in the first region 3310, the control unit610 may read a reconstructed image for accurately reading the disease ordisorder from the memory 640, and overlay and display the reconstructedimage on the first region 3310.

In FIG. 33, when it is determined that an anatomical structure of theregion of the object included in the first region 3310 is unusual, thecontrol unit 610 may obtain a T1-weighted image for further accuratelyreading the anatomical structure, and overlay and display theT1-weighted image on the first region 3310.

FIGS. 34A and 34B show diagrams for describing operations of the medicalimage providing apparatus 600, according to another exemplaryembodiment.

Here, in the control unit 610, when the user requests to change alocation of a first region after a second image corresponding to aselected protocol is overlaid and displayed on the first region of afirst image, a type of an image overlaid on the first region having thechanged location may be changed.

In detail, referring to FIG. 34A, after the second image correspondingto the selected protocol is overlaid and displayed on a first region3410 in a first image 3400, the user may request a location of the firstregion 3410 to be changed to a first region 3420 through the UI unit630.

Then, the control unit 610 may automatically output a first listaccording to the changed location of the first region 3410, and receivea selection on a new protocol.

According to the changed location of the first region 3410, the controlunit 610 may re-select a predetermined protocol, obtain image datacorresponding to the re-selected predetermined protocol, and reconstructa second image by using the obtained image data, based on a region of anobject included in the first region 3420. Next, the control unit 610 mayoverlay and display an image corresponding to the re-selected protocolon the first region 3420.

Referring to FIG. 34B, an image 3450 corresponding to the re-selectedprotocol may be overlaid and displayed on the first region 3410 havingthe changed location, i.e., the first region 3420.

FIGS. 35A and 35B show diagrams for describing operations of the medicalimage providing apparatus 600, according to another exemplaryembodiment.

The display unit 620 may display a first image including an object.

Then, when a first region is selected from the first image, the UI unit630 may output a first list including at least one image item obtainedby using the first image, and receive a selection on a predetermineditem from the first list.

The control unit 610 may control a second image corresponding to thepredetermined item selected through the UI unit 630 to be overlaid anddisplayed on the first region.

Referring to FIG. 35A, a screen 3500 displayed on the display unit 620includes the first image 810 and a first list 3510.

Referring to FIG. 35A, when the first region 820 is selected, themedical image providing apparatus 600 may automatically output the firstlist 3510.

Here, the first list 3510 includes image items obtained by using thefirst image 810. In detail, when the first image 810 is an imagereconstructed by using image data obtained by applying a predeterminedprotocol, an image that is reconstructed, calculated, or post-processedby using the image data may be included in the first list 3510.

For example, when the first image 810 is a T2-weighted image obtained byapplying a T2W protocol, a T2 flair image or a T2 map may be obtainedvia a post-process or a separate calculation using image data obtainedby applying the T2W protocol. Accordingly, as described above, the firstlist 3510 may include a T2W item, a T2 flair item, and a T2 map item.

Alternatively, referring to FIG. 35B, when the first image 810 is aperfusion image obtained by applying a perfusion protocol, an MTT map, aCBF map, or a CBV map may be obtained via a post-process or separatecalculation using image data obtained by applying the perfusionprotocol. Accordingly, a first list 3560 displayed on a screen 3550 mayinclude an MTT map item, a CBF map item, and a CBV map item.

FIG. 36 shows a diagram for describing operations of the medical imageproviding apparatus 600, according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 36 illustrates a screen 3600 output by the display unit 620. InFIG. 36, a first image 3610 included in the screen 3600 is a CT image,and a first list 3630 includes CT protocols. For example, the first list3630 may include protocols applied to CT scan, such as a CT perfusionprotocol 3631 and a CT angiography protocol 3632 indicating a ‘DSAprotocol’. Also, when the CT perfusion protocol 3631 is selected fromthe first list 3630, the control unit 610 may control an image obtainedaccording to a perfusion protocol to be overlaid and displayed on afirst region 3620.

FIG. 37 shows a diagram for describing operations of the medical imageproviding apparatus 600, according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 37 illustrates a screen 3700 output by the display unit 620. Sincethe screen 3700 of FIG. 37 is the same as the screen 3600 of FIG. 36except for a second list 3730 including at least one image obtainedbased on image data obtained by applying at least one protocol,descriptions thereof that are the same as those of the screen 3600 ofFIG. 36 are not provided here.

Referring to FIG. 37, the second list 3730 includes at least one imageobtained based on image data obtained by applying CT protocols. The atleast one image included in the second list 3730 may be an image of anobject or a partial image indicating a region of the object. In FIG. 37,the second list 3730 includes the image of the object.

In detail, the second list 3730 includes a perfusion image 3731 obtainedby applying a CT perfusion protocol, and a CT angiography image 3732obtained by applying a CT angiography protocol indicating a ‘DSAprotocol’. When the perfusion image 3731 is selected from the secondlist 3730, the control unit 610 may control a partial image included inthe perfusion image 3731 to be overlaid and displayed on the firstregion 3620.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart of a medical image processing method 3800according to an exemplary embodiment. The medical image processingmethod 3800 according to an exemplary embodiment may be performed by themedical image providing apparatus 500 or 600 described above withreference to FIGS. 1 through 37. Also, since operations of the medicalimage processing method 3800 include the same features as operations ofthe medical image providing apparatus 500 or 600, descriptions thereofthat are the same as those of FIGS. 1 through 37 are not provided again.Hereinafter, a medical imaging processing method according to one ormore exemplary embodiments will be described by referring to the medicalimage providing apparatus 600 of FIG. 6.

According to the medical image processing method 3800, a first imageincluding an object is displayed in operation 3810. Operation 3810 maybe performed by the display unit 620 under control of the control unit610.

When a first region included in the first image is selected, a firstlist including at least one protocol applied while scanning the objectis output in operation 3820. Operation 3820 may be performed by the UIunit 630 under control of the control unit 610.

A selection of a first protocol included in the first list is receivedthrough a UI in operation 3830. Operation 3830 may be performed by theUI unit 630 under control of the control unit 610.

A second image reconstructed by using image data obtained by applyingthe first protocol selected in operation 3830 is overlaid and displayedon the first region of the first image in operation 3840. Operation 3840may be performed by the display unit 620 under control of the controlunit 610. In detail, the second image is an image corresponding to aregion of the object included in the first region.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart of a medical image processing method 3900according to another exemplary embodiment. The medical image processingmethod 3900 according to an exemplary embodiment may be performed by themedical image providing apparatus 500 or 600 described above withreference to FIGS. 1 through 37. Also, since operations of the medicalimage processing method 3900 include the same features as operations ofthe medical image providing apparatus 500 or 600, descriptions thereofthat are the same as those of FIGS. 1 through 37 are not provided again.

According to the medical image processing method 3900, a first imageincluding an object is displayed in operation 3910. Operation 3910 maybe performed by the display unit 620 under control of the control unit610.

When a first region included in the first image is selected, a firstlist including at least one reconstructed image that is reconstructed byusing at least one piece of image data obtained by applying at least oneprotocol applied while scanning the object is output in operation 3920.Operation 3920 may be performed by the UI unit 630 under control of thecontrol unit 610.

A selection of a first reconstructed image included in the first list isreceived through a UI, in operation 3930. Operation 3930 may beperformed by the UI unit 630 under control of the control unit 610.

In operation 3940, a second image is overlaid and displayed on the firstregion of the first image by using the first reconstructed imageselected in operation 3930. Operation 3940 may be performed by thedisplay unit 620 under control of the control unit 610. In detail, apartial image of the first reconstructed image, which corresponds to thefirst region, is overlaid and displayed on the first region of the firstimage.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart of a medical image processing method 4000according to another exemplary embodiment. The medical image processingmethod 4000 according to an exemplary embodiment may be performed by themedical image providing apparatus 500 or 600 described above withreference to FIGS. 1 through 37. Also, since operations of the medicalimage processing method 4000 include the same features as operations ofthe medical image providing apparatus 500 or 600, descriptions thereofthat are the same as those of FIGS. 1 through 37 are not provided again.

According to the medical image processing method 4000, a first imageincluding an object is displayed in operation 4010. Operation 4010 maybe performed by the display unit 620 under control of the control unit610.

A selection of a first region of the first image is received through aUI in operation 4020. Operation 4020 may be performed by the UI unit 630under control of the control unit 610.

A second image reconstructed by using first image data obtained byscanning the object by applying a first protocol is overlaid anddisplayed on the first region of the first image in operation 4030.Operation 4030 may be performed by the display unit 620 under control ofthe control unit 610.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart of a medical image processing method 4100according to another exemplary embodiment. The medical image processingmethod 4100 according to an exemplary embodiment may be performed by themedical image providing apparatus 500 or 600 described above withreference to FIGS. 1 through 37. Also, since operations of the medicalimage processing method 4100 include the same features as operations ofthe medical image providing apparatus 500 or 600, descriptions thereofthat are the same as those of the medical image providing apparatus 500or 600 of FIGS. 1 through 37 are not provided again.

A screen including a first list including at least one protocol appliedwhile scanning an object is displayed in operation 4110. Operation 4110may be performed by the display unit 620 under control of the controlunit 610.

A selection of a first protocol from the first list is received througha UI in operation 4120. Operation 4120 may be performed by the UI unit630 under control of the control unit 610.

Then, a first region is set in the first image including the object inoperation 4130. Operation 4130 may be performed by the control unit 610.Alternatively, when the first region is set based on a user input,operation 4130 may be performed by the UI unit 630 under control of thecontrol unit 610.

A second image reconstructed by using image data obtained by applyingthe first protocol is overlaid and displayed on the first region inoperation 4140. Operation 4140 may be performed by the display unit 620under control of the control unit 610.

FIG. 42 is a flowchart of a medical image processing method 4200according to another exemplary embodiment. The medical image processingmethod 4200 according to an exemplary embodiment may be performed by themedical image providing apparatus 500 or 600 described above withreference to FIGS. 1 through 37. Also, since operations of the medicalimage processing method 4200 include the same features as operations ofthe medical image providing apparatus 500 or 600, descriptions thereofthat are the same as those of the medical image providing apparatus 500or 600 of FIGS. 1 through 37 are not provided again.

According to the medical image processing method 4200, a first imageincluding an object is displayed in operation 4210. Operation 4210 maybe performed by the display unit 620 under control of the control unit610.

A selection of a predetermined item included in the first list isreceived through a UI in operation 4220. Operation 4220 may be performedby the UI unit 630 under control of the control unit 610.

A selection of a first region from the first image is received through aUI in operation 4230. Operation 4220 may be performed by the UI unit 630under control of the control unit 610.

A second image corresponding to the predetermined item selected inoperation 4220 is overlaid and displayed on the first region inoperation 4240. Operation 4240 may be performed by the display unit 620under control of the control unit 610.

As described above, according to the one or more of the above exemplaryembodiments, a medical image providing apparatus and a medical imageprocessing method of the same may provide a UI screen for a user, suchas a doctor, to easily read a medical image of a patient.

The medical image providing apparatus and the medical image processingmethod of the same may enable the user to further accurately read apredetermined region of an object by using at least one medical imagereconstructed by scanning the object by applying at least one protocol.

Accordingly, the user may further easily diagnose a disease and read themedical image.

The exemplary embodiments can be written as computer programs and can beimplemented in digital computers that execute the programs using acomputer-readable recording medium.

Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include magneticstorage media (e.g., ROM, floppy disks, hard disks, etc.), opticalrecording media (e.g., CD-ROMs or DVDs), etc.

While the exemplary embodiments have been particularly shown anddescribed with reference to the drawings, it will be understood by thoseof ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and detailsmay be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent inventive concept as defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A medical image providing apparatus comprising: adisplay configured to display a first image comprising an object; a userinterface (UI) configured to output a first list comprising at least oneprotocol applied while scanning the object in response to a first regionincluded in the first image being selected, and to receive a selectionof a first protocol included in the first list; and a controllerconfigured to control to overlay and display a second imagereconstructed by using image data obtained by applying the firstprotocol, on the first region of the first image.
 2. The medical imageproviding apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second image indicates aregion of the object included in the first region.
 3. The medical imageproviding apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one protocol is amagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol related to a pulse sequenceapplied to obtain the image data.
 4. The medical image providingapparatus of claim 3, wherein the at least one protocol comprises acomputed tomography (CT) protocol applied during a CT scan.
 5. Themedical image providing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the UI isconfigured to receive a setting on a region of interest (ROI) as thefirst region in the first image from a user.
 6. The medical imageproviding apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured toautomatically extract a target region for diagnosis from the first imageand select the target region as the first region.
 7. The medical imageproviding apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured toautomatically perform an organ segmentation on the first image to obtaina segmented region and select the segmented region as the first region.8. The medical image providing apparatus of claim 1, wherein thecontroller is configured to automatically extract a disease suspectedregion from the first image and select the disease suspected region asthe first region.
 9. The medical image providing apparatus of claim 1,wherein the first list comprises a first sub-list comprising the atleast one protocol, and a second sub-list comprising at least onemanipulation menu item for manipulating the first region of the firstimage.
 10. The medical image providing apparatus of claim 1, wherein theUI is configured to generate at least one manipulation menu item forrespectively manipulating at least one reconstructed image reconstructedby using at least one piece of image data obtained by applying each ofthe at least one protocol, and configured to add and output the at leastone manipulation menu item to the at least one protocol included in thefirst list.
 11. The medical image providing apparatus of claim 1,wherein each item included in the first list comprises a protocol and areconstructed image reconstructed by using image data obtained byapplying the protocol.
 12. The medical image providing apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one protocol comprises at least one of anMRI protocol, a T1 period-related protocol, a T2 period-relatedprotocol, a diffusion protocol, and a perfusion protocol.
 13. Themedical image providing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first listcomprises at least one additional item obtained or calculated by usingat least one piece of image data obtained by applying the at least oneprotocol.
 14. The medical image providing apparatus of claim 13, whereinthe additional item comprises at least one of a cerebral blood volume(CBV) map, a cerebral blood flow (CBF) map, a histogram equalizationimage, an apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map, a trace map, afunctional MRI (fMRI) map, a fractional anisotropy map, and a diffusiontractography image.
 15. The medical image providing apparatus of claim1, wherein the UI is configured to add and output a sub-list comprisingat least one reconstructed image according to at least one point intime, which corresponds to a protocol included in each item included inthe first list, to each item included in the first list.
 16. The medicalimage providing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the UI comprises an inputdevice configured to receive a predetermined command from a user, andwherein the controller is configured to control to display a previewmenu on a reconstructed image corresponding to a predetermined itemincluded in the first list in response to the predetermined item beingfocused on by the input device.
 17. The medical image providingapparatus of claim 1, wherein the UI is configured to receive aselection on a protocol corresponding to each of the plurality of firstregions in response to a plurality of the first regions that are aplurality of partial regions included in the first image being selected.18. The medical image providing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the firstlist comprises at least one of a plurality of anatomical image itemscorresponding to a protocol, and a plurality of functional image itemscorresponding to a protocol.
 19. The medical image providing apparatusof claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to control a type of animage displayed in the first region and a type of the first image to bemutually switched and displayed, according to a user request.
 20. Themedical image providing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller isconfigured to change a type of an image overlaid on the first region ofwhich a location is changed in response to the second image beingoverlaid on the first region of the first image and a location of thefirst region being requested to be changed.
 21. A medical imageproviding apparatus comprising: a display configured to display a firstimage comprising an object; a user interface (UI) configured to output afirst list comprising at least one reconstructed image that isreconstructed by using at least one piece of image data obtained byapplying at least one protocol applied while scanning the object inresponse to a first region included in the first image being selected,and to receive a selection on a first reconstructed image included inthe first list; and a controller configured to control to overlay anddisplay a second image on the first region of the first image, by usingthe first reconstructed image.
 22. The medical image providing apparatusof claim 21, wherein the at least one reconstructed image included inthe first list is a whole image corresponding to the object or a partialimage corresponding to a region of the object included in the firstregion.
 23. The medical image providing apparatus of claim 21, whereinthe first list comprises at least one additional image generated byusing at least one piece of image data obtained by applying the at leastone protocol.
 24. The medical image providing apparatus of claim 21,wherein each item of the first list comprises at least one reconstructedimage according to at least one point in time, which corresponds to aprotocol included in each item of the first list.
 25. The medical imageproviding apparatus of claim 21, wherein, when a second reconstructedimage included in the first list is activated, the controller controls asecond list comprising at least one reconstructed image related to afirst protocol applied to obtain the second reconstructed image to beoutput.
 26. A medical image providing apparatus comprising: a displayunit configured to display a first image comprising an object; a userinterface (UI) configured to receive a selection on a first region inthe first image; and a controller configured to control to overlay anddisplay a second image, reconstructed by using first image data obtainedby scanning the object by applying a first protocol, on the first regionof the first image.
 27. The medical image providing apparatus of claim26, wherein the controller is configured to select the predeterminedprotocol from among a plurality of protocols for scanning the object,based on a region of the object, which is included in the first regionof the first image.
 28. A medical image processing method comprising:displaying a first image comprising an object; when a first regionincluded in the first image is selected, outputting a first listcomprising at least one protocol applied while scanning the object;receiving a selection of a first protocol included in the first list viaa user interface (UI); and overlaying and displaying a second imagereconstructed by using image data obtained by applying the firstprotocol, on the first region of the first image.
 29. The medical imageprocessing method of claim 28, further comprises receiving a setting ona region of interest (ROI) as the first region in the first image from auser via the UI.
 30. The medical image processing method of claim 28,wherein each item included in the first list comprises a protocol and areconstructed image reconstructed by using image data obtained byapplying the protocol.